Residents of Keighley flats are devastated by the butchery of two pet geese.

The birds, two of three kept in a pen outside a block of flats on West Lane, were discovered in a bag two weeks ago, gutted and partially plucked - being prepared for the oven.

One woman resident says: "My neighbours are really upset. Feeding them brought so much joy to them.

"Kids used to go and have a look at them and everyone helped to take care of them. It's upset a lot of people that somebody could do something like this."

Owner Gary Proctor says he began with ten geese but numbers have dwindled since they were stolen or shot over the last two years. He says: "They are pets. I don't keep them for commercial purposes. People get the wrong impression about geese.

"You could go up to these particular ones and stroke them.

"And now I'm down to one, which is very sad. I just hope it doesn't happen again."

Two youths from the Braithwaite area were found carrying the bag containing the dead birds. They were arrested and bailed pending further inquiries.

RSPCA Inspector Richard Oddy says: "We don't know how the birds were slaughtered. From what I saw of the two carcasses they had been gutted, partially plucked and taken with the intention of being consumed."

Insp Oddy suggests anyone who keeps similar livestock should keep them securely locked up or bring them inside at night.

Mr Proctor, who in the past has kept chickens and a goat on the piece of land he owns, would like some company for the remaining goose - named Lucy by residents.