An attempt by Community Led Animal Welfare (Claw) staff to save a gander that was injured by fishing gut was finally successful yesterday (5 February), but not without some drama.
Claw director Taren Welthagen and veteran animal activist Cora Bailey alongside their team and members of the public managed to catch the gander after tranquillising the bird with Valium hidden in bread. This led to some running around before finally netting him.
“It was a very, very long week. On Sunday Cora was assaulted by a drunk. Other drunks released the goose and her nine goslings so we need to recapture them to unite them with the gander. I and another team member also had to get hepatitis A vaccine after our boat capsized on Florida Lake last Wednesday,” said Taren. “We had endless run-ins with drunks and vagrants but also had great experiences with some very good members of the public,” she concluded.
The rescue attempt started in the pouring rain on Tuesday (31 January) while the gander was perched on a lamppost. The Claw team failed in luring him down. On Wednesday they were unsuccessful once again when the bird took to the water and their boat capsized. They then tried catching him with an old-fashioned stick trap but again failed in their endeavour.
According to Taren the main culprits are anglers who leave their discarded fishing tackle behind.
Read more about the rescue attempt here
Goose recue attempt on its way
Day two of rescue attempt still unsuccessful
