Killed Whitehaven harbour goose laid to rest by Pets at Peace

Billy the goose was popular with residents and tourists alike who grew accustomed to seeing him on the town’s harbourside.

A police investigation was launched after disturbing video footage was shared online following Billy’s death on November 17.

Two teenage boys remain on police bail after being arrested on suspicion of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.

Mel James, of Ani-Mel Haven Animal Sanctuary was left ‘heartbroken’ by the incident after she had nursed Billy back to health following a foot injury, just weeks earlier.

Billy the goose had been rescued by Mel James of Ani-Mel Haven after getting his foot caught in the marina gates in September (Image: Archive)

The famous harbour goose has now been cremated by Pets at Peace based in Whitehaven, after Jeanne Park and her partner Stephen, who run the company, offered their services.

Images shared on Facebook by the pet crematorium showed Billy lying peacefully in the Chapel of Rest and a silver urn which now contain his ashes.

Billy the goose lies in the chapel of rest before being cremated following a kind offer by Pets at Peace (Image: Pets at Peace)

Mel said: “He had all his dignity taken away from him in death and their kind offer has restored it. They are fantastic.

“Billy’s death has hurt and upset so many people. It absolutely broke me. It’s broken a lot of hearts.

“A few people have asked if I can take him [his remains] in at the sanctuary because he was happy and safe with us. I’m quite happy to do that if people want me to.

“But it’s down to the people of Whitehaven who cared for him and loved him.

“I don’t think scattering his ashes in the harbour are a good idea because that was part of the cruelty. I don’t think throwing him back into the harbour is the right way.  

“There are a lot of people wanting to create a plaque or statue on the area where he used to stand, which I think is a lovely idea.”

Deanne Shallcross, chief executive officer at The Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners, said: "The tragic story of Billy has affected many people and it's been incredible to see how popular he was.

"Several geese have made the harbour, and wider area, their home over the years and developed personalities of their own, while ultimately remaining wild, of course.

"It is touching that the local community has felt it important to honour Billy and the part he played in harbour life." 

Police are appealing for any information that could help the enquiry.

Anyone with information can report online at https://orlo.uk/l5zcl - quoting incident 264 of November 17. You can also phone on 101.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.