Geese killed, suspect sought

MARGARETTA TWP. — Multiple birds were killed at Deep Water Marina and Shoreline Drive Tuesday night in Sandusky. Back To The Wild, a nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation center, responded after getting a call about dead and injured geese in a parking lot. At least eight geese, one mallard and one gull were found, apparently hit by a vehicle. "Because of how the bodies were spread, it is almost certain that this was an act of deliberate cruelty," Back To The Wild posted online. "Sadly, the two survivors passed away overnight from their injuries." Killing and injuring geese is against both state and federal laws. "Once a Back To The Wild staff member arrived on the scene, she was met with a massacre," the nonprofit said. "(They) had been obviously and very deliberately mowed down by someone with a vehicle." It's unknown who hurt the animals, but the Ohio Division of Wildlife is investigating. Anyone who was near the area Tuesday and saw something suspicious is encouraged to contact officer Michele Butler at 419-429-8382. Back To The Wild said while these animals may not be a community favorite, no creature deserves such treatment. "Some of them survived long enough to drag themselves to the water where they slowly drowned while others died of painful and traumatic injuries," Back To The Wild said. "We are all sickened by the actions of this person/persons and we hope these birds get some semblance of justice."