DOZENS of geese have been shot and dumped in a river in the Yorkshire Dales.

The dead birds - adults and juveniles - were found in the River Ure in Wensleydale by a group out walking last Saturday.

The 25 greylag geese were found in the river adjacent to the public right of way between Harper Wath footbridge near Aysgarth, and Worton.

Such were the numbers of dead geese, it was initially feared there could have been a large-scale wildlife poisoning incident. However, on examination, it was found that the birds had recently been shot with a shotgun.

Wildlife crime officer PC Julian Sutcliffe said: “Greylag geese can often be seen in the Dales meadows and rivers at this time of year.

"It is an offence under the Game Act 1831 and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to take or kill these birds during the closed season, which runs from February 1 to August 31.

“We need to know how these birds came to be shot and apparently dumped in the river, and I would urge anyone with any information about this incident to contact me.”

Anyone with information should contact PC Sutcliffe by calling North Yorkshire Police on 101, and selecting option two, or emailing julian.sutcliffe@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk