Dozens of wild geese killed for Christmas dinner in spate of attacks across England and Wales

Dozens of wild geese have been killed for the Christmas dinner table in a spate of attacks believed to be linked across eastern England, with the bodies of about 70 birds dumped in Cambridgeshire and Norfolk earlier this month. Some of the birds had their breasts removed, according to local officials, raising questions about who is responsible and whether the killings were humane or hygienic.

In the first incident on December 7, 39 pink-footed geese and one pigeon were left on the roadside in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire. Their necks were tied with blue string and they had been butchered for their breast meat.

A second group, comprising 31 greylag geese, was found in a similar condition and reported to the council at Terrington St Clement, Norfolk, on December 15.

King’s Lynn and West Norfolk council environment committee member Sandra Squire said: "We don't know whether they were humanely killed, we don't know how they were butchered and whether it was hygienic, so we don't know if they are fit for human 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."

Police in Norfolk said no wildlife offences had been recorded because geese can be shot legally.

Meanwhile, residents in Newport, south Wales, have set up a Goose Watch group after five privately owned geese vanished last week.

Allan Morris, a councillor from the city’s Liswerry ward, said: "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, times are hard and the geese are getting nicked. But if you want geese for your Christmas dinner, go to a supermarket or butchers."

Mr Morris later issued a stern warning in an online post, writing: "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."

According to the British Poultry Council, about 250,000 geese are eaten at Christmas in Britain, far fewer than the roughly nine million turkeys that share the same fate. Goose is widely regarded as the more luxurious option, prized for its richer flavor, with the average bird feeding about six people.

Officials stressed that the incidents remain under review as investigators assess whether the killings reflect organized activity or isolated acts. The Norfolk case has prompted questions about meat sourcing and animal welfare, with authorities calling for public vigilance and cooperation.

If anyone sees someone harassing or attempting to capture a goose or duck, authorities urge them to challenge the behavior and contact a ward councillor or local owner directly to report it.