One of two Irish-bred white-tailed sea eagles, hatched last year for the first time in over 100 years, has been shot and killed.
The nine-month old bird was found in a remote part of Tipperary with 40-50 shot gun pellets in its body.
A post mortem revealed that the pellets had broken one of the bird’s legs and wing but the bird had survived for several weeks before succumbing to its injuries.
What an absolutely tragic and shocking outcome, highlighting once again that the disgraceful illegal persecution of raptors continues unabated in these isles.
See here for the report in the Irish Times to read the response of the Minister and the Irish White-tailed Eagle Reintroduction team.
We’re absolutely gutted for them.
The photograph shows Project Manager Allan Mee with one of the first sea eagle chicks donated to the project by Norway in 2007.
Further coverage
Golden Eagle Trust press release here
Independent Ireland article here
BBC news article here
RTE News & audio here
Raptor Persecution UK 
lets hope they keep the project going.
A lingering death would also be fair justice for the mindless moron who shot this bird
Shot at close range to have that many pellets in it…probably feeding on a dead ewe…disgusting.
This saddens me that these lovely birds are killed out of hand.
Savages at work.
Love to say I’m surprised, but I’m not.
We agree Dave, shot at close range and possible it was feeding on a bait deliberately set out for it with somebody hiding in wait. The agony that bird must have gone through. If they catch the filth which did this we must all get together and set up a petition to urge for a custodial sentence. Clearly all other deterrents thus far has done nothing to stop these criminals slaughtering raptors. Wish we could assist and put up a reward for information leading to an official charge. Hopefully we will be able to within the foreseeable future.
Well said PR agree with every point