Northern Ireland Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir has received a death threat following public controversy over the culling of 51 cows in County Tyrone, according to statements made during an emergency Stormont committee meeting. The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) Humane Slaughter Team carried out the cull in June under a court order issued after a man was convicted of animal welfare offences and given a lifetime disqualification from keeping animals.
Emergency Committee Meeting and Public Outcry
During an emergency meeting of Stormont’s Agriculture Committee, DUP deputy leader Michelle McIlveen told Minister Muir that his department had “lost all credibility” and presided over an “animal welfare scandal.” Scores of farmers also held a protest outside Parliament Buildings at Stormont while the committee sat. McIlveen stated that the operation appeared brutal and that the public viewed the approach as a “shoot-to-kill” method rather than a nurture approach.
Minister Muir defended the operation, telling MLAs that the cattle were “essentially starving to death” on the farm. He described conditions discovered during Daera welfare inspections between January 2022 and January 2024 as “grotesque,” noting that limited feed was contaminated with urine and dung, and that approximately 33 animal carcasses and bones were found on site. The minister stated there was “no reasonable alternative” but to comply with the court-ordered disqualification and deprivation order.
Abuse, Threats, and Security Concerns
Addressing the fallout from the operation, Minister Muir revealed he had been targeted with misogynistic, sectarian, and homophobic abuse. According to the minister, that wave of intimidation culminated in a direct threat that he would be shot. He called the receipt of a death threat “nothing short of a disgrace” and noted that he and his officials had to discuss security measures and personal safety with the police.
BBC coverage confirmed that the minister blamed inaccurate reporting and commentary for fueling the hostility directed at Daera staff and himself. Minister Muir urged committee members and the public to temper their language and lower the tone surrounding the distressing case. He also announced that he has ordered an external review to examine the circumstances of the cull.
Did you know?
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) Humane Slaughter Team executed the June operation on land near Fivemiletown following a mandatory court order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the 51 cows culled in County Tyrone?
Daera carried out the cull under a court order after a farm owner was convicted of animal welfare offenses and disqualified for life from keeping animals.
What did Minister Muir say about the conditions on the farm?
According to Minister Muir, animals were starving to death, feed was contaminated with urine and dung, and approximately 33 animal carcasses and bones were found on the property.
Has an independent review been ordered?
Yes, Minister Muir ordered an external review to examine the circumstances surrounding the public nature of the cull.
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