CSI Sandon

Gertie the Goose Is Dead; Villagers Outraged, Children Upset

The headline in the Hertfordshire Mercury said it best: Goose in Sandon that was ‘part of the community’ shot and killed.

“Sandon residents are outraged over the brutal killing of a goose who had nestled and lived in one of the village’s ponds since it hatched 11 years ago,” wrote Gaby Bissett of the Hertfordshire Mercury.

CNN picked up the story of “the beloved local bird” that some dubbed “Grumpy.” A reward of £275,000 ($380,000) has been offered for information about the goose killing that took place Feb. 21; a post-mortem investigation has been discussed.

“The villagers are very sad as well as angry and sickened,” noted 20-year village resident Gay Ayton. “The schoolchildren were upset when told by the headmistress.”

Long-time resident Penny Wallbridge had this to say about the much-loved village goose: “People are very upset as everybody knew him,” she said “He was part of the community.”

Gertie the Goose is dead — Long live Gertie.

UPDATE: A full forensic post-mortem examination on March 3 — which included a CT scan — has concluded that Gertie was not shot. “Veterinary pathologists at the Royal Veterinary College have still not pinpointed the precise cause of death, but have said a likely cause of death would be natural causes,” the Hertfordshire Mercury reported.