The birds were killed last month after many attempts to manage the growing population and a large amount of faeces failed.
But the move has angered and upset animal lovers and some wildlife experts who say they should have been relocated.
The club has told Jackie News.
“We recognise that wildlife management, particularly where it involves Canada geese, is an issue on which people hold strong and differing views, and we fully understand that some members and estate residents have been upset by what occurred.
“This was not a decision the Club wished to take, nor one that was taken lightly. It followed many months of attempting to manage a growing resident population of Canada geese through enhanced cleaning and non-lethal measures.
“Only after those measures proved unsuccessful, and having carefully balanced our appreciation of local wildlife against our responsibility to protect the health and safety of members, visitors and staff, did the Club conclude that a licensed wildlife management operation had become necessary.
“Over a number of months, a resident population of Canada geese had become established around the Club’s lake and, in particular, the Lakeside Terrace, pavilion, surrounding pathways, grassed areas, roads and tennis courts.
“Despite extensive daily cleaning by multiple members of our groundsteam, we were increasingly unable to keep pace with the volume of faeces being produced.
“The greatest concern was around heavily used member areas, including the external dining terrace and the area immediately adjacent to the children’s play park, where families and young children were regularly coming into contact with goose droppings.
“In addition to presenting a significant slip hazard, Canada goose droppings can contain bacteria including E. coli, Salmonella and Campylobacter.
“Allowing that level of fouling to continue in areas where members walk, dine and where children play was not something the Club believed it could responsibly ignore.
“The Club explored whether relocation was possible, including making enquiries with organisations and locations suggested to us. Wildlife hospitals and sanctuaries also confirmed they do not accept healthy Canada geese for relocation, generally taking only birds that are sick, injured or orphaned.
“Before any lethal control was considered, the Club undertook an extended period of enhanced cleaning and implemented a range of non-lethal deterrent and dispersal measures with the assistance
of a specialist wildlife management contractor.
“Unfortunately, these measures proved unsuccessful, and only after those measures had been exhausted, and following careful consideration and expert advice, was a licensed wildlife management operation authorised.
“The operation was undertaken by a specialist licensed wildlife management contractor acting under DEFRA General Licence GL41.
“The birds were humanely dispatched using moderated (silenced) firearms operated by qualified professionals. This method was chosen because it provides the quickest and most humane means of carrying out lawful wildlife management where lethal control is necessary. Surrey Police were notified in advance.
“The Club has reflected carefully on the events of 16 July and has already commenced work on further developing its comprehensive Wildlife Management Plan. That plan will place even greater emphasis on prevention, habitat management and humane deterrence so that similar circumstances are, wherever reasonably possible, avoided in the future.”
The club says it will not be commenting further on this matter.
