Fears much-loved geese are being stolen from park ‘to be eaten on Christmas Day’

But a total of five pet geese, owned by a local residents, have recently disappeared.

With Christmas being just days away, Newport City councillor, Allan Morris, fears the birds could have been taken to be eaten.

Councillor Morris, who serves the Lliswerry ward, told the South Wales Argus: "Over the last week I’ve been contacted by the owner, and he’s concerned that five of his geese have gone missing and people are taking them for food.

“They’ve significantly reduced the numbers and it’s no coincidence that Christmas is coming up."

In a post to residents on social media, the independent councillor urged anyone who sees anyone "trying to capture" one of the geese to "challenge them" or contact one of the ward councillors.

The post read: "Love them or loath them, some of the geese that waddle around the reen at Black Ash Park have mysteriously disappeared (in the past week).

"The geese and ducks that call the area home have become local celebrities.

"Many Lliswerry residents take pleasure from their presence. But, it has to be said, there are others who curse the mess they make on their lawns.

"Either way. If you want a goose for your Christmas Dinner get one from a supermarket or traditional butchers. The Black Ash geese have an owner and he is none too pleased at their demise."

Residents spoke of their "shock" over the alleged thefts.

"I love the geese hope they’re ok," one person commented on Facebook, while another wrote: "Omg shocking."

A third social media user said: "Hope they haven’t been [taken].

"The geese have been breeding there for over 70 years. That is their home."

Another commented: "I hope no one is daft enough to eat a bird that's not been tested for bird flu.

"If someone offered you one cheap please say no."

GB News has contacted Gwent Police for comment.