Buzzard on mend after being shot three times

A Common Buzzard is on the mend after it was found having been 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, some 24 miles south of Londonderry.

The Common Buzzard is on the mend having been shot three times (W Schulenburg).

Three round pellets were also found lodged in various parts of the female bird's body. It is unclear whether or not the Common Buzzard was shot deliberately. 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 six-month 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.