The RSPCA has rescued around 10 geese from an oil spill at Ridgehill Fishing Pond in Stalybridge.
The animal welfare charity attended on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and again on Tuesday (October 12) to rescue a number of geese who had been affected by the thick, black oily substance.
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Animal Rescue Officer Steve Wickham attended over a number of days with his colleagues Inspector Deb Beats, ARO Dave Cottingham, ARO Sonia Hulme and ARO Alison Wilford.
Steve said: “We were called after there was an oil spill at the pond on Friday. I attended and managed to rescue eight affected geese from the water and took them to our wildlife centre in Cheshire. On Saturday, I was able to rescue another bird but when I returned on Sunday, the others proved harder to catch. We continued to monitor the situation and returned with a boat on Tuesday so that we could rescue the remaining birds from the water.
“Sadly, the geese were covered in oil which meant their feathers had become waterlogged with the substance. They were taken to the RSPCA’s Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre where they have been cleaned up and given some much-needed TLC. Once they’re ready they will be returned back into the wild.
“The Environment Agency is aware and is looking into the cause of this as well as working to clean-up the pond. We will continue to keep an eye on the situation."
If anyone has any concerns about any other water birds in the area, contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.
To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care, visit its website or call our donation line on 0300 123 8181.
