Flock of 18 Canada geese found beaten, shot to death near retention pond in NJ

Flock of 18 Canada geese beaten, shot in NJ town

MOUNT LAUREL, N.J. — Authorities say 18 Canada geese were found beaten and shot in the head near a retention pond in western New Jersey.

Moorestown resident Chris Cramer says it appeared many of the geese were chased from the retention pond into an adjoining parking lot, where they were slaughtered.

Cramer took three injured birds to a wildlife refuge over the weekend.

Mount Laurel Mayor Jim Keenan says the attack was “disgusting” and “a horrendous act against the animals.”

Police Chief Dennis Cribben Jr. says anyone charged with killing the geese faces a third-degree cruelty to animals charge. A conviction includes fines up to $15,000 and five years imprisonment.

Information from: Courier-Post, www.courierpostonline.com/