Twenty geese have been rescued from a canal near Fazeley after being covered in oil.
An RSPCA team were called out on Thursday (25th July) after a passer-by spotted the struggling birds on the Coventry canal.
In total, 17 Canada geese and three greylag geese were captured and will now receive specialist treatment at the RSPCA’s Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre in Nantwich.
Collection officer Jonny Wood said the operation was difficult as the birds were still able to fly so capturing them was tough.
He said: “It is believed someone has deliberately dumped oil in the canal which has affected many birds.
“They were covered in oil which affects their movement and also we were concerned they might ingest it.
“We spent the day rounding up those most affected by the spillage and it was a difficult task as they were still very mobile.
“We had one officer in the canal to encourage the birds out so we could try and corner them so we could safely rescue them.
“There are a few other birds which we are monitoring and we plan to go back to the site and check if any more need rescuing.”
Anyone with information about who disposed of the oil in the canal can call the Environment Agency on 0800 807060.
