After making headlines, ‘Fragile’ the goose is on the mend at Linjoy Wildlife Sanctuary and Rescue after a vicious dog attack by Rivelin Pond last Thursday.
Jo Meckin, 46, Malin Bridge, found Fragile approximately an hour after the attack, and after an urgent outcry for help from the Hillsborough commmunity, Fragile was rushed to Hallam Vets with a badly bleeding beak.
Currently, Fragile is being kept in quarantine at Linjoy, to prevent the possible spread of bird flu.
Fragile, named by Jo’s seven year old son Felix, is an Embden goose who has been living in Rivelin pond for several years.
Jo created a facebook group entitled ‘The Rivelin Goose’ for people are sharing photos and favourite memories of him, many people having alternative names for him such as Goosey.
Jo is also using this platform to share updates from the sanctuary about Fragile, but Fragile has also made headlines in the Sheffield Star and Jo has also told her story on BBC Radio Sheffield this morning.
Jo has called out to owners to take responsibility of their dogs, so attacks like this can be prevented in the future, and is looking to get signs put up for owners to put their dogs on leads around the pond.
An RSPCA inspector and firefighters from Rivelin came to help catch the goose in order to take him to the vet.
Jo said: ‘We were warned that the injuries might be so severe he would never be able to feed again and may need to be put to sleep. It was devastating.’
However, after examination by vets, it was discovered that the bite had not gone through his hard plate, and with plenty of pain relief, rest and love, Fragile has a good chance of recovery.
Jo managed to secured a place for Fragile at Linjoy Wildlife Sanctuary and Rescue in Burton, who specialise in waterfowl, and transported him there that evening with help from a friend.
In a facebook update, Jo wrote: [at the sanctuary] ‘He will be with other Embden geese so should be very happy and safe.’
Jo also explained that as Fragile is not a native species to the pond, and was originally a domestic pet released into the pond, he may never be returned to the wild.
Embden Geese such as Fragile, before being imported to the UK in the early 19th Century, originated in the North German region, specifically around the town of Embden in East Friesland, and are known as one of the oldest domesticated goose breeds.
A Just giving page has been set up by Jo which can be found Here, and has currently raised over £1,250, the money going directly to Linjoy Wildlife Sanctuary and Rescue to contribute to the ongoing vet bills covering Fragiles care.
Once Fragile has made a full recovery, the aim is to move him into a local, private pond, somewhere near his ‘Girlfriend’ Deborah the Canadian Goose (Pictured above)
