THE RSPCA is searching for the person responsible for dumping 14 dead geese in a ditch by the side of the road.

The animal welfare charity was contacted on Thursday by a concerned member of the public after they found the birds in a ditch in a field off the A126, near the Old Dock Approach Road, in Grays.

RSPCA inspector Kate Fletcher said: “It looks as though they have all been dumped together, which makes us suspicious. All of the birds appeared to have injuries to their chests, although we can’t say for sure how these injuries were caused or why.

“We are releasing a photo of the birds in the hope of finding the person who is responsible. We would particularly like to hear from anyone who might have seen anything suspicious. Anyone who has any information should contact us in complete confidence on 0300 123 8018.”

It is against the law to kill or injure wild birds, except under licence, and individuals can be fined up to £5,000 and potentially up to six months in prison for each bird killed.

If you see an animal in distress you can ring the RSPCA’s 24-hour cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.