Backlash as lasers are used to deter stately home’s geese

LASERS used to deter geese at a Tudor stately home have provoked anger from animal welfare campaigners.

Staff at Hall Place, a Grade I listed house in Bexley, south-east London, have been equipped with the handheld devices after a “tide of complaints” about bird droppings.

The 160-acre grounds have become a favoured haunt for flocks of Canada geese, which has caused hygiene problems, according to Bexley council, which has run the 16th century site since 2017.

The waste is said to be a “slip hazard” and potentially carry harmful bacteria.

But the decision to provide staff with devices to send beams of light at the birds has caused controversy.

Animal lovers have complained that the measure is “unethical”, but the council insists it is a “humane method” of moving them on.

Bird enthusiast Donna Zimmer, 45, said she was “horrified” about the practice in a petition on Change.org.

Canada geese are considered a pest by some due to their territorial behaviour and droppings.

A council spokesman said: “It is untrue to say we are ‘discouraging wildlife’ at Hall Place and Gardens.

“A hand-held laser device has been used by a trained member of staff as an agreed humane method of moving on the ever-increasing amounts of geese.

“No birds or other wildlife are harmed by its use, it simply moves the geese on and they migrate back at a later date.”

The RSPCA said: “We are aware that the indirect use of lasers to deter problem flocks of birds is one of the non-lethal deterrent methods that is currently being tested by researchers.

“If that is proven to be effective and humane, the RSPCA would certainly welcome it as we prefer non-harmful methods over those which see the birds being killed or suffering in any way.”