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Queen’s Brian May has strongly condemned plans to cull 200 Canadian geese in the Lake District.

The big-haired axeman, who founded animal rights organisation Save Me, says that The Windermere Geese Management Group’s decision to kill the animals is “ill-considered” and the scientific evidence is flawed.

64-year-old May blasted: "The proposed cull of Canada geese in Windermere is the latest in a string of bad decisions to perceived problems relating to wild animals.

"The current climate of ignorance leads many people in authority, responding to the first complaint about an inconvenience or a loss in income, to reach for the gun.

"There is no need for me to comment about the multiple trumped-up bits of supposed scientific evidence offered to support this very ill-considered decision."

With an estimated 1,200 Canadian geese on the lake, The Windermere Geese Management Group claims that the phosphorous in their droppings causes water pollution. They allege that a cull would improve water quality. 

Rubbishing their claims, May added: "This decision needs to be reversed, but not just because of the lack of scientific justification. There is a bigger picture. We have to start realising that all sentient creatures are worthy of respect. Every animal has a life. Every creature matters.

"The order for this cull must be rescinded now, and some proper thought given to what action is needed, if any."

Critics claim that fertiliser, household waste and sewage are all more damaging to the habitat than the geese droppings.

In response, Windermere ranger Steve Tatlock told the Associated Press: "We understand that this is an emotive issue. If a cull does take place it will be carried out to the highest possible professional standards.

"We will endeavour to cause as little inconvenience as possible to residents, visitors, and lake users.

"We are instigating this project - with our partners - with the aim of improving the quality of Windermere's waters and surrounding environment."

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