Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Two juveniles arrested in geese-beating case

NORTH CAROLINA -- The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department confirmed Thursday morning, two juvenile males were arrested Wednesday. They are facing charges in a geese-beating case.

The Carolina Waterfowl Rescue told WBTV Tuesday it had three injured geese in its care. They said the geese were attacked sometime Monday night.




Jennifer Gordon with the Waterfowl Rescue told WBTV there is a video that shows five middle-school students with sticks and bricks, hurting the geese. At least one of the geese was beaten with a board or bricks.

The geese were trying to protect their babies (goslings).

According to the Waterfowl Rescue's Facebook page, "Wilma" the goose was the most badly injured. She had a ruptured air sac, head trauma, and a large hematoma on her head. She also had several leg fractures and a crushed food. Her toes was dislocated. Wilma also lost her nest and her mate.


The Carolina Waterfowl Rescue said the vets at the Raptor Center offered to do surgery on Wilma's leg if it could help her walk again. A few hours later, the Rescue said Wilma's repair went well, but she never woke up from the anesthesia.

Gordon says officials at the Kennedy Charter School were able to ID three of the students, but the students go to a different school.

According to the Carolina Waterfowl Rescue Facebook page, vandals also destroyed a school bus and other property at the Kennedy Charter School.


The Carolina Waterfowl Rescue says a similar incident happened in the spring.

CMPD said Thursday the two juveniles were charged with animal cruelty, and additional charges may be pending.

(WBTV - April 18, 2013)
(Carolina Waterfowl Rescue - Facebook)