Primary school learners accused of abusing Van Dyk Park geese
One goose was so badly hurt that the entire upper side of the beak was gone.
Residents have raised serious concerns about an ongoing culture of animal cruelty being inflicted on the geese at the dam near van Dyk Park Primary School.
The complaint came after some of the geese at the dam were viciously attacked, allegedly by pupils from van Dyk Park Primary School.
One of the targeted geese had to be euthanised due to injuries suffered when it was attacked.
A concerned resident shared photos which depict injuries to the geese. One goose was so badly hurt that the entire upper side of the beak was gone. It was taken to a local veterinarian where it had to be put down.
According to a complainant who contacted the Boksburg Advertiser but asked not to be identified, the school children were spotted chasing and attacking the geese with sticks and pelting them with rocks.
Residents claimed that the school management was at one point approached, but they just said that it was not their problem.
“Surely, the school management should take some responsibility to educate children about empathy and compassion towards animals?
“These geese have been part of the community for many years, and some residents always provide food and attend to their well-being. Now as a result, the geese will be removed by local wildlife authorities to ensure their safety,” bemoaned the resident.
Not our learners
This publication reached out to the school in question for comment, and management denied that their learners are involved and even capable of inflicting such nasty injuries on the animals.
“We do not believe it was one of our learners who injured the animals. This was an act of animal cruelty and had nothing to do with naughty children. There is no way that a small child is capable of doing that to a goose,” maintained van Dyk Primary School principal, Frans Spang.
“Many people visit that dam. The entrance is also on the other side of where the geese are, so learners normally go to their transport and leave,” he explained.
Spang, however, admitted that there are times when learners chase the geese, as they are still children, but it doesn’t happen regularly.
“I will happily investigate the matter if someone can bring me concrete evidence that it was one of our learners that hurt the animals.
“There are cameras and a security guard, so learners are not left unattended. We also encourage learners to stay away from the park area.”
We are animal lovers
The principal added that learners are taught to care for animals as part of the life-orientation curriculum.
“We are animal lovers and often feed these geese,” he said.
Park Vet in Sunward Park confirmed that a goose with a straight cut to its top beak was brought into the vet on March 4.
“Due to the severity of the injury, the animal had to be humanely euthanised,” said the vet.
Investigation
Boksburg SPCA manager, Vicky Finnemore, said the society would investigate the matter.
She urged community members to inform the SPCA about such incidents as and when they happen.
The metro has not yet responded to our request for comment.
The Advertiser also spoke to one of the fishermen at the dam, Alan Aucamp, who said he was not aware of the geese being abused.
“What I’m aware of is that there are a lot of people who come here to feed the geese. Authorities must just not remove the animals because they bring joy to the dam. A dam is not a dam without geese.”
Aucamp pointed out that while the state of the dam is in good condition, the grass is just a little bit overgrown and needs attention.
Also Read: Boksburg SPCA probes animal neglect allegations at Bokkie Park
