Protected bird of prey shot three times is on the mend, say Omagh vets

A BIRD of prey is recovering after being shot three times in Co Tyrone.

X-rays performed by Omagh practice Corry & O’Hare Vets revealed that the buzzard had received a fractured bone following the attack in Newtownstewart.

Three round pellets were also found lodged in various parts of the female bird’s body.

It is unclear whether or not the buzzard — a species afforded the highest level of wildlife protection — was shot deliberately.

As it is illegal to hunt protected birds, the incident has been reported to the PSNI.

The penalty for committing a wildlife crime in Northern Ireland —including shooting, poisoning, trapping and nest destruction of a bird of prey — is a fine of up to £5,000 and a sixmonth custodial sentence.

Louise O’Hare from Corry & O’Hare Vets said the injured bird was brought to them last week after being found unable to fly by a member of the public.

“It was very sad to see such a beautiful creature being picked on,” she told the Ulster Herald.

“But the good news was that its injuries were treatable and the buzzard is expected to make a full recovery.

“There is potential that whatever happened to the buzzard was an accident, but things like this simply shouldn’t happen.

“However, these birds are protected for a reason and we have contacted the police about it as shooting a protected species is a wildlife crime.

“Myself and my colleague Kieran Corry are appreciative of everyone who helped hand the buzzard in for treatment.

“It is fantastic that the public were so willing to help a bird who was greatly in need,” Ms O’Hare added.

The buzzard is now being cared for at the Dooletter Wildlife Rehabilitation Unit in Enniskillen where it will be looked