State police are investigating a possible case of animal cruelty after residents of Lake Oswego, Oregon, reported that a goose, affectionately known as Princess Colette, died from gunshot wounds on Tuesday. Neighbors believe the injuries were inflicted by a deliberate BB gun attack.
Della Shanley, an avian enthusiast who had cared for Princess Colette for months, described the goose as a local celebrity. Shanley created an online page, 'Fowl Relationships on Oswego Lake,' to share moments with the wildlife she had come to know.
Last week, Princess Colette returned to Shanley's dock injured and unable to use her right wing. Shanley took the goose to a veterinarian, where X-rays revealed she had been shot multiple times. This discovery shifted the situation from a troubling injury to a suspected act of cruelty.
Tragically, despite efforts to save her, Princess Colette died on Tuesday. Veterinarians noted that the goose had survived previous injuries, including fractures, in years past and had successfully raised goslings.
Shanley expressed her grief and determination to prevent future cruelty. "My mission was to save Collette. My mission now is to stop this cruelty," she stated. Those who cared for Princess Colette hope her story will encourage anyone with information to come forward and serve as a reminder of humane ways to handle conflicts with animals.
The incident has also highlighted the dangers of BB guns, which can cause severe harm. Wildlife experts warn that pellets can penetrate flesh, damage organs, and lead to prolonged suffering for animals.
In the United States, geese are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. State police indicated that shooting a goose outside of hunting season, particularly with a prohibited weapon like a BB gun, could result in criminal charges, including hunting within city limits. Authorities are continuing their investigation into who is responsible for Princess Colette's death.