Workers at the quarry on Rein Road were shocked to discover the carnage when they came to work on Monday.

One bird had been decapitated and her wings pulled off, while her mate appears to have a broken wing and head injuries and may have to be put down.

Andrew Hudson, a factory and production manager at the quarry said: "Let's name and shame those responsible!

"There are some ducks down there too and all the lads go along occasionally to feed the birds. They have adopted them, so this has really gutted them!"

Mr Hudson added that kids have always been tempted to go swimming in the quarry on hot days despite its dangers, and the police keep an eye on the place and often move people on – but they can't be there all the time.

The RSPCA was called on Monday and an inspector tried to catch the surviving goose, but it refused to be lured in.

An RSPCA spokeswoman said on Tuesday that they had not been able to determine the extent of the injuries to the second bird but it may be that if it is badly injured it will have to be put down.

She added: "A team of RSPCA field staff will return with a boat today with the aim of catching the injured goose.

"Under section 14 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 it is illegal to re-release or allow Canada geese to escape without a licence (as they are a non-native species) so, by law, if the bird can't be treated on site and left in the wild it will have to be put to sleep.

"It does seem as though what happened here was a deliberate act of cruelty.

"Anyone who knows anything about what happened should call the RSPCA cruelty hotline on 0300 1234 999 as soon as possible. All calls are in confidence."