The poisoning of at least 23 buzzards on farmland in West Cork was “one of the most serious incidents” wildlife services have seen in decades.

A €5,000 reward has been offered for any information leading to the prosecution of those responsible for poisoning the birds of prey.

On The Pat Kenny Show this morning, Malcolm Noonan, Minister of State at the Department of Heritage said authorities are determined to prosecute those involved.

“It really is a very serious incident,” he said. “The poison they have used is a really toxic substance.

“The investigations are ongoing; the Gardaí are involved along with the ISPCA and our own staff in the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).

“We are trying to reach a successful conclusion with this because it is one of the most serious incidents we have had in recent years.”

A buzzard flies over a field in search of food, 05-08-2020. Image: Thomas Warnack/DPA/PA Images

He said the birds were poisoned using a highly toxic substance called carbofuran which can kill any animal or human that comes into contact with it.

“The chances are this substance was illegally procured and, as long as it is out there, it is a risk to wildlife and to people,” he said.

“For that reason, we do need to continue to pursue all avenues to try and deal with this particular issue and bring the perpetrators to justice.”

Meanwhile, Bird Watch Ireland spokesperson Niall Hatch said buzzards weer almost extinct in Ireland last century; however, they have made a steady comeback since.

A young buzzard sits on a branch in Berlin, 23-07-2020. Image: Ingolf Konig-Jablonski/DPA/PA Images

He said they are great birds to have around farmland because they feed on vermin and small animals.

“They perform a great service in cleaning up the countryside and stopping the spread disease and so forth,” he said.

“One of the big misconceptions about them over the years is that they pose a threat to livestock so let me categorically say that they absolutely do not

“They are not capable of killing a lamb and they never would even try. They will sometimes feed on a dead or stillborn lamb but they are certainly not capable of killing one.

“They are nothing but a farmer’s friend. A great bird to have around a farm.”

He said there may be many other birds that were poisoned but never found.

“We know from the nature of buzzards and the way they behave that, if 23 carcasses are found, that may be the tip of the iceberg,” he said.

“It stands to reason there would be more that were never found. The birds would have been feeling very unwell and hidden themselves off in woodland and would never have been discovered.”

Mr Hatch said the story has made headlines internationally and could be very damaging to Ireland’s reputation.

“It is seen as an absolutely barbaric Middle Ages type of approach to wildlife that has disappeared in many other countries and it seems very unenlightened,” he said.

“We know that the vast majority of people across Ireland are delighted to see these birds. So many landowners and farmers absolutely love them and it is great to see that being better understood.”

He said anyone with any information on the poisoning should contact Gardaí and the NPWS.

You can listen back to the full segment here: