A Canada goose was savagely attacked and killed by a crazed dog by the River Wandle.

The male bird, which had been nesting with a female and five goslings by the Wandle at the end of Mill Lane, Carshalton, was killed by what was believed to be a Staffordshire bull terrier last week.

The geese had been in the area for a few weeks, for the amusement of residents who would gather around to feed the family, before the father was attacked.

A resident, who did not want to be identified and had been watching the family before the male disappeared, said: “The female slept with her young while the father would guard his territory chasing away unwelcome visitors.

“I remained hopeful that he would return. However, after witnessing a local teenager with his Staffordshire bull terrier goading the male a few days earlier, I was becoming doubtful that I would see him again.

“Sadly a neighbour confirmed that the male had been killed by a Staffordshire bull terrier. I was very upset by this and fail to understand the mentality of some people.”

What remained of the family is now being looked after by the London Wildcare Trust.

The charity’s founder, Ted Burden, said: “We believe this may have been a deliberately provoked attack by the owners of the dog and will be doing all we can to find out what happened and if necessary bring the callous people involved to justice.

“There is a growing trend of dog attacks on defenceless birds. Obviously we can’t for sure say if it is people doing it deliberately but it is a problem and it puts further strain on our resources.”

A spokesman for the trust said: “We were aware that two adults and their young had taken up residence in the area and were shocked when a local resident reported the vicious attack. Since then we have been making daily patrols to check on the family.”

If you have details of any wildlife crime call the London Wildcare Trust on 020 8647 6230 with details. This number may be used 24 hours a day if you believe the crime to be taking place there and then. We also ask that you dial 999 and request the police to attend.

• Have you seen the geese family? Let us know by email here, phone the newsdesk on 020 8330 9555 or leave a comment below.