The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) has been forced to put down a buzzard that was found shot and badly injured in County Westmeath.
They are appealing for information after a member of the public found the injured buzzard in Castletown Geoghegan, and brought it to the ISPCA National Animal Centre in Longford.
Society members gave it immediate pain relief and then transferred the bird to the Kildare Animal Foundation for specialist treatment by a wildlife vet.
Sadly one of the bird’s wings was so badly damaged that the bird could not be saved and had to be humanely euthanized to prevent further suffering.
Dr Andrew Kelly, ISPCA CEO said: "In Ireland all wild birds including buzzards (or Clamhán in Irish) are protected under the Wildlife Act 1976 and it is illegal to take them from the wild, injure or kill them. They feed on carrion and rodents such as rats so they pose no threat to farm animals or pets.
"Why such a beautiful bird would be targeted in this manner remains a mystery. This poor bird must have been in agony until it was found and given pain relief. Buzzards are magnificent birds and are an integral part of Ireland’s natural fauna.
"Although they are found mostly in the north and east of Ireland, they have been recolonizing other parts of the country over the last few years. They are scarce in the midlands where this one was shot.
Dan Donoher of the Kildare Animal Foundation said: "We are saddened that we were unable to help this juvenile buzzard. An x-ray determined both metacarpals had been fractured and unfortunately one of his wing tips had become gangrenous so he would not survive.
"The right decision was made to put him humanely to sleep. We are appealing to anyone with information about this incident to contact the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the ISPCA or ourselves."
The society also reported that a second buzzard was rescued by a member of the public in Lanesborough recently.
The bird had been struck by a vehicle and was brought to the National Animal Centre where the ISPCA rehabilitated the bird and re-released it back into the wild.
Rehabilitation costs are expensive for the ISPCA as each animal requires individual care and treatment.
As a not for profit organisation, 90% of the society's funding comes from the public on www.ispca.ie.
For further information, contact the ISPCA on 043 33 25035, email info@ispca.ie or visit www.ispca.ie