Dozens of wild geese killed for Christmas dinner in spate of attacks

Dozens of wild geese have been killed for the Christmas dinner table in a spate of attacks, authorities said, with the bodies of 70 birds dumped in Norfolk and Cambridgeshire earlier this month, some with breasts removed. In the first incident on December 7, 39 pink-footed geese and one pigeon were left on a roadside in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, their necks tied with blue string and their breast meat removed. A second report on December 15 described 31 greylag geese disposed of in a similar fashion near Terrington St. Clement, Norfolk.

King's Lynn and West Norfolk Council environment committee member Sandra Squire said authorities were uncertain about whether the killings were humane, how the birds were butchered, or whether the meat was hygienic enough for consumption. "That level of meat is more than just for personal use. It's definitely organised, and we're hoping it doesn't happen again," she said. Police in Norfolk said no wildlife offences had been committed because geese can be shot legally under current regulations.

Separately, in Newport, south Wales, residents formed a Goose Watch group after five privately owned geese disappeared in the lead-up to Christmas. Allan Morris, a councillor for Liswerry ward, said owners had reported missing geese that were valued by families in the area. "Over the past week I've been contacted by the owner, and he's concerned that five of his geese have gone missing and people are taking them for food. They've significantly reduced the numbers and it's no coincidence that Christmas is coming up," he said, adding that people should buy geese from supermarkets or butchers.

Geese remain a smaller but persistent feature of Britain's Christmas table. The British Poultry Council estimated about 250,000 geese are eaten at Christmas in Britain, far less than the roughly nine million turkeys. Goose is often described as a more luxurious option due to its richer flavor, and the typical goose serves about six people. The scale of the two incidents—together with the private disappearances in Wales—highlights concerns about procurement and animal welfare around a high-demand holiday staple.

Mr. Morris later posted online: "Seriously, it's not funny. If you see anyone harassing or trying to capture one of the geese or ducks, please challenge them or ring one of the ward councillors and we will notify the owner." Authorities cautioned there was no confirmed link between the Norfolk/Cambridgeshire incidents and the Welsh disappearances; investigators said they would continue examining potential connections. The case underscores ongoing debates about wildlife management, holiday consumption, and enforcement options during the festive season.