A distressing incident in Dartford has left the community and wildlife advocates deeply upset following the death of eight geese caused by a vehicular crash. Kent Police were alerted to the grim discovery on Anchor Boulevard at approximately 5:36 PM on Sunday, July 21.

The case quickly escalated when, on Thursday, July 25, a 19-year-old man from Dartford was arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty, as well as driving without a licence or insurance. The suspect has been released on bail pending further inquiries and is due to report back to the authorities on Friday, October 25.

Carly Ahlen, the founder of Gabo Wildlife across Kent, expressed profound distress over the incident. Working at her bird station when she received the news, Ahlen rushed to the scene. “I couldn’t believe what was in front of me,” she told the UKNIP. Overcome with emotion, she described feeling “angry, upset, and distressed” upon witnessing the aftermath of the event which left the geese dead.

Sergeant Ross Haybourne of Kent Police emphasized the impact of the incident on the community, noting, “This was a distressing incident which has caused considerable concern in the local community.” He assured that the police would thoroughly investigate the matter, especially concerning allegations of deliberate harm to wildlife.

Kent Police are calling on anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist in their ongoing investigation. Information can be provided by calling the specified number and quoting the reference 46/122799/24.