Appeal as duck 'strangled' by visitor to Mapperton Estate

Mapperton is the family home of Julie Montagu, Viscountess Hinchingbrooke and Luke Montagu, Viscount Hinchingbrooke and is a place where runner ducks and chickens are able to roam free.

However, a beloved 10-year-old runner duck, a mainstay of the attraction, has been chased down by a woman's dog and subsequently strangled by its owner and thrown aside.

The married couple are now appealing to the woman to come forward and apologise for her actions.

Luke Montagu said: “One of the team members at Mapperton saw a woman in the café with a small brown and white dog without a lead.

“The dog unfortunately ran off and attacked one of our much-loved runner ducks outside.  The woman then picked up the injured duck and wrung its neck before throwing the carcass into long grass near the car park.  She then left with her young son without saying a word.

“There are numerous signs at Mapperton asking visitors to keep their dogs on a lead because of the ducks and chickens. And while accidents can happen, it is upsetting that this person would leave the scene without saying anything. We therefore hope she will contact us to say sorry and help find a replacement.”

READ MORE: WATCH: Estate owner hits out after pet duck strangled

Julie and Luke Montagu (Image: Archive)

The team at the estate have been left heartbroken, with Julie Montagu taking to social media to share the extent of their devastation.

She said in the video: “Unfortunately our lovely white runner duck who has been at Mapperton for 10 years was chased down by a possible brown and white possible terrier dog, the owner saw this happening and the duck was flapping.

"The owner took the duck in her hands and strangled the duck and threw the duck in the long grass here at Mapperton.

The white runner duck was strangled by a visitor (Image: Mapperton Estate)

“It took an hour to find the duck, and the owner ran off, got in her car and left. We are deeply upset. Runner ducks are part of Mapperton.”