A heartbreaking scene unfolded in Umtentweni on September 28, where an Egyptian goose was shot dead, leaving its partner in visible distress at the scene.

The dead goose was found in Sylvan Road, where residents reported seeing its partner remaining nearby after the shooting.

The latest incident has renewed calls for an end to a string of apparent pellet-gun attacks on wildlife in the residential area.

Incidents have been reported around Delamere Place, Mdoni Road, Norwood Road, Auben Road and Sylvan Road.

The attacks have caused growing outrage in the community, with residents questioning who is responsible and why animals are being targeted.

“This has to end. We have to find out who is doing this,” a concerned community member said after Monday’s incident.

The latest shooting is particularly distressing because the goose’s partner remained at the scene, apparently searching for or staying close to the partner it had lost.

Recent monkey shootings have included an adult female vervet reportedly being shot seven times. In another incident, a baby monkey died after a pellet shattered its vertebrae.

The repeated incidents have raised concerns about the use of pellet guns in a residential area and the danger posed to wildlife and potentially people.

Intentionally injuring or killing an animal may constitute a charge of animal cruelty, while the discharge of firearms or airguns in built-up areas is illegal.

Residents are urged not to confront anyone they believe may be responsible.

Instead, anyone with information (photographs, video footage or other evidence) about the shootings can contact Corné van Zyl confidentially on 082-406-5039.

So far, some R3 000 has been raised towards a reward through a BackaBuddy campaign for information leading to the identification and conviction of the person responsible.

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