Anger over ‘misleading’ reports on buzzard attacks

Birdwatch Ireland has sharply criticised reports that buzzards are killing terriers and lambs in the southeast of the country.

A bird of prey, buzzards became extinct in this country in the late 1800s but have naturally re-populated in recent years — to the joy of ecologists and birdwatchers. However, an article in a newspaper warned that pet owners should be on “on alert” for “giant buzzards” as they had attacked terriers, cats, rabbits and hares in recent weeks.

The Tipperary Star article last week warned that the birds of prey “have taken terriers and other animals in dead swoops through mid Tipperary”. It reported that one Yorkshire terrier had been attacked but survived, only to be attacked again.