Protected goose dumped beside River Thurso was shot and decapitated

A decapitated goose was shot and dumped on the banks of the River Thurso in a plastic bag, police have said.

The force is appealing for information after the white fronted goose – a protected species – was discovered in the Halkirk area.

The discovery was made at the end of January, and police put the appeal out on Saturday.

They say a report of bird parts in a bag was received on Tuesday, January 30, at around 2.30pm. When they recovered the bird, they found that the goose, with its head, wings and feet removed, had been shot.

Local wildlife crime officer Police Constable Thomas Staples said: “The white fronted goose is a protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and it is illegal to kill them. I am asking anyone in the local community who may be able to help with our enquires to come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident 2114 of January 31, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.