One Year Later: No Charges in Death of Beloved Whitehaven Harbour Goose

The violent killing of Billy, a cherished goose residing at Whitehaven Harbour, sparked widespread distress and anger across a Cumbrian community. Twelve months later, the quest for accountability persists. On a clear autumn day, sunlight illuminates Whitehaven Harbour. For many years, three distinctive geese were known for interacting with tourists and appearing in photographs shared on local social media platforms. Now, only Barney and Rose are left. Billy, the third of these harbour geese, was killed a year ago, plunging the town into sorrow. Andrew Power, seated with his wife Nan on a bench near the boats overlooking the harbour, stated that no animal should be targeted in such a “terrible” way. He added, “They have as much right to be on the harbour as we have.” Alan Cleaver, a resident of the town centre, commented that the community was “very upset” by Billy’s death, but emphasized the need for the town to “move on and keep an eye on the ones that are left.” He further remarked, “As they say, the wheels of justice grind slow, but grind exceedingly small and whoever is responsible will get their comeuppance at some point, I’m sure.” Billy’s death occurred on the night of 17 November last year. An animal rescue volunteer, who is currently developing a permanent memorial incorporating his ashes, characterized a video circulated online at the time as “beyond cruel.” At that time, two 16-year-old boys were apprehended on suspicion of inflicting unnecessary harm upon a protected animal and transmitting offensive communications. They were subsequently released while the investigation continued, and no charges have been brought against anyone. Cumbria Police has stated that the incident from 12 months ago is still “under active investigation.” Dawn Williamson, 58, from Egremont, expressed her anger that justice has not yet been delivered regarding Billy’s attacker. She remarked, “It’s shocking.” She added, “How they got away with that one I don’t know – I don’t think a lot of people in Whitehaven are going to be happy about that.” Mel James, proprietor of the Ani-Mel Haven animal rescue sanctuary in Beckfoot near Silloth, had provided care for Billy and restored his health only weeks prior to his death, following an injury to his foot sustained in an electric gate. She stated that the news of Billy’s death “destroyed her.” Recalling him fondly, she said, “He had a front seat in my car on the way back, seatbelt on – he absolutely loved it,” adding that Billy “really touched her heart.” She continued, “I work with animals all the time but, every now and again you get one that’s special, he was fantastic, such a comical little character.” While watching a video of Billy squawking on her phone, seemingly responding to her voice, she commented, “I can’t get it into my head how anybody can do such a thing.” She further elaborated, “I see cruelty quite often with working in wildlife rescue but that was just beyond cruelty, it was just heartbreaking.” Mel expressed her anger that, 12 months later, no individual has been held responsible for Billy’s fate. She stated, “People want justice, they want [his attacker] to be made an example of.” Mel is currently safeguarding Billy’s ashes and intends to establish a memorial at her rescue facility. Her plan involves constructing a wishing well featuring a rainbow roof, designed to be accessible for individuals to commemorate their own pets alongside Billy. Tributes, such as painted pebbles and garden ornaments, have already been sent for the cherished goose. She explained, “I know how many people love those geese and travel for miles to see them, so I thought by creating a lasting memorial to him, it’s there forever.” Jeanne Park, representing Pets at Peace in Whitehaven, handled Billy’s cremation without charge and keeps a photograph of him within her pet crematorium. She stated, “We wanted to give him the dignified farewell he deserved so the people of Whitehaven would know he was comfortable, treated with respect and loved whilst resting with us.” This was not the sole method chosen by those who cherished Billy to commemorate him. Soon after his passing, a mural located near the harbour car park featured various town scenes, with Billy also depicted. The Whitehaven Shipshapers, a volunteer organization dedicated to maintaining the area, collaborated with the Harbour Youth group on the creation of the mural. Lara Schwab, the volunteer organizer, originated the concept of including the goose. The group had already intended to portray a scene representing Whitehaven’s heritage, and she considered this a suitable homage. She stated: “Where the Harbour Youth is based, [the young people] would always see the three geese travelling around, so they all knew who he was and were sad to lose him, so I think they felt it was a nice touch to put Billy on there.”