Game hunters say they are outraged about the shooting of a peregrine falcon in Co Wexford.

The young bird of prey was shot down on one of its first flights at Ballynastraw near Enniscorthy. The falcon had to be put down as a result of the injuries sustained.

The Parks and Wildlife Service is appealing for the public's help as the bird is a protected species, and shooting them is a criminal offence.

An X-ray confirmed the falcon was shot with shotgun pellets in a leg and wing. It also had an identification ring to show it was a young bird.

The Arts and Heritage Minister Heather Humphreys has called on the public to report incidents such as this shooting, saying they're barbaric.

Minister Humphreys said "it is intolerable for birds of prey and other wildlife to be persecuted, poisoned or shot. Not only is this activity illegal and barbaric, it also harms our reputation as a country that values its wildlife".

Des Crofton is director of the National Association of Regional Game Councils, and says the culprit in this case "is someone who has a firearm and simply shouldn't have one":