Buzzard shot in westmeath

The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) is appealing for information after a Buzzard was illegally shot in Castletown-Geoghegan, Co Westmeath earlier this month.

A member of the public found the injured Buzzard and brought it to the ISPCA National Animal Centre in Longford where it received immediate pain relief before being transferred to the Kildare Animal Foundation for specialist treatment by a wildlife vet.

However 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.
ISPCA CEO Dr Andrew Kelly said 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,” Dr Kelly remarked.

He described Buzzards as magnificent birds which 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,” he remarked.

Kildare Animal Foundation’s Dan Donoher 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”.

Meanwhile,  a second Buzzard was rescued by a member of the public in Lanesborough. It had been struck by a vehicle and was taken  to the National Animal Centre where the ISPCA rehabilitated the bird and safely re-released it back in the wild.

Unfortunately the discovery of uncared for, neglected and injured animals is a very regular occurrence for the ISPCA. Rehabilitation costs are expensive as each animal requires individual care and treatment. As a not for profit organisation, 90% of funding comes from the public. For further information, or to make a donation contact the ISPCA on 043 33 25035, email info@ispca.ie or visit www.ispca.ie