By Michelle Crawley
THE Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) is appealing for information following a recent shooting of a buzzard in Castletown-Geoghegan.
The injured bird was found by a member of the public in Castletown-Geoghegan and brought to the ISPCA national centre in Kenagh, Longford. The bird received immediate pain relief and was then transferred to the Kildare Animal Foundation for specialist treatment by a wildlife vet. Sadly, one of the buzzard’s wings was so badly damaged that the bird could not be saved and it had to be humanely euthanised to prevent further suffering.
Dan Donoher of the Kildare Animal Foundation said that one of the buzzard’s wing tips had become so gangrenous that he had no chance of survival
BUZZARDS
Wild birds such as buzzards are protected under the Wildlife Act 1976, and it is illegal to take them from the wild, injure or kill them. Buzzards feed on carrion and rodents such as rats and pose no threat to farm animals or pets. Why such a beautiful bird would be targeted in this manner remains a mystery.
If you have information about the incident above contact ISPCA on 043 3325035.