The bird is fully protected under Irish law.
Investigations are underway following the deaths of four buzzards in Westmeath.
The birds were in a state of decomposition. One was viable for processing and submitted for analysis under the RAPTOR protocol. It was found to have been shot.
Buzzards - which are a member of the hawk family - are fully protected in Ireland under the Wildlife Acts 1976 (as amended).
Once plentiful in Ireland, the species almost went entirely extinct here during the 20th century.
Niall Hatch from Bird Watch Ireland says it was commonly thought the bird was a threat to agricultural livestock.
But he says that myth has since been debunked and the species has since made a comeback and breeds in all four provinces.
Anyone who has any information in relation to this incident in Delvin is asked to contact gardaí and/or their local NPWS ranger on 087 6455258. The NPWS says all information will be treated in the strictest of confidence.
Niall Hatch from Bird Watch Ireland says it's a disgraceful destruction of a protected species:
Midlands Artists To Feature In New Wetlands Guide
Midlands Advocacy Service For Sexual Abuse Survivors Praise Victim For Getting Justice
Laois Windfarm Developer Awarded 50% Of Legal Costs
Midlands Simon Calls On Government For Retrofit Funding
Midlands Charity Calls For State Support To Help Move People Off The Streets
Offaly Singer In Semi-Final Of Glór Tíre Tonight
Fáilte Ireland Urges Off Peak Holidays As Staycation Demand Grows
Ireland Plans Charter Evacuations As Middle East Conflict Escalates
Deaf Laois Couple Face €10k Hearing Aid Bill
Pfizer Opens Midlands Applications For Apprenticeship Programme
Emergency Services Attend Scene Of Laois Crash
Bressie Adds New Dates To 2026 Irish Tour
BnM Unveils Eight Firms For 2026 Accelerate Green Programme
Westmeath County Council Urged To Buy Larger Homes For Families In Need
High Court Told Enoch Burke Transferred From Mountjoy Without Reason
Westmeath Community Launches ‘Feeling Safe Survey’
Midlands Hospital Experiencing High Admission Numbers
Retired Taxi Driver Calls For Safer Roundabouts In Laois
Laois County Council Continue Work On Rat Infestation
Laois Psychotherapist Criticises ESRI Report On School Absences