Wildlife groups’ fury after young peregrine falcon is found shot

A young peregrine falcon believed to have been on one of its first flights was found shot, environmental chiefs have said.

The protected bird of prey, the fastest creature on earth, had to be put down after it was discovered with gunshot pellets in a wing and leg at Ballynastraw, near Enniscorthy, Co Wexford.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) claimed it was a further sign that the deliberate killing of the native birds is on the increase.