Two teenagers have been charged in the death of a beloved goose known to frequent a pondin a Picton, Ont., cemetery.

The white-and-brown Asiatic goose known as "Kate" had been a fixture at Glenwood Cemetery for more than 15 years. She was known to be friendly, and was often thought of as more of a pet than a wild animal.

She was last seen on March 21. Ontario Provincial Police said a group of teenagers was seen firing pellet guns at the ducks and the geese in the pond that evening, and may have hit Kate.

Police said the ducks could escape the pellets, but Kate has her wings clipped and could not fly away.

On Thursday, the OPP said an 18-year-old and a 17-year-old had eachbeen charged with:killing animals other than cattle;possession of a weapon;and trespassing.

Kate left her feathered partner "William" alone in a pond full of approximately 75 ducks. According to the cemetery, Asiatic geese mate for life, and Kate's mate is "heartbroken" by her death.

"The cemetery's staff, volunteers and board members are also heartbroken by Kate's untimely and senseless death," the cemetery website says.

The message says staff members are working with police to tighten security following the incident.

Anyone with more information is asked to contact police at 613-476-2151, or Glenwood Cemetery at 613-476-3511.