Animal lovers have made a desperate plea for help in rescuing geese made lame by fishing line.

They were furious and claimed the RSPCA and Basildon Council had not taken responsibility and done more to help the birds on water at Lake Meadows in Billericay.

The geese were first spotted more than a week ago by Alison Webber, who works in the area.

She said: "I saw they had fishing line round their legs and when they got out of the water they could only stand on one leg.

"I called the RSPCA who said they'd send someone down. But when I saw the geese were still there a week later I called again and they said someone had been down but hadn't been able to catch them.

"The RSPCA are on all these programmes that show how wonderful they are but they're not doing anything. They told me to catch the geese myself."

Alison, from Rayleigh, then contacted the Rescuers Wildlife Sanctuary, based in Watlington Road, Benfleet.

Staff suggested she try to get a group of volunteers together to rescue the birds.

Alison said: "We're going to need a lot of people to rally round and help catch the birds with nets. The animal sanctuary has said it will then take them in."

Sanctuary owner Veronica Mepham said Basildon Council must begin to take responsibility for injured birds on its land.

She said: "We had geese which almost lost their legs in Gloucester Park and the council wouldn't allow its parks people to help us.

"They say it's not their responsibility but the geese were healthy birds until they landed.

"If the council allows fishing on its lakes then it should be responsible for making sure no lines or hooks are left lying around."

Supt Stuart Farmer, from the RSPCA, said: "We believe one Canadian goose is affected.

"We have been trying to catch it for some time without success but it's very mobile and is feeding fine."

A council spokesman said it couldn't be proved where the bird had become entangled in the fishing tackle. He added: "It is the responsibility of fishermen to make sure they take away their lines and hooks, but if our officers find anything they will clear it up as well."

If you would like to help catch the birds or have large nets, call the sanctuary on 01268 752923.

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