An independent expert panel has been called to review the controversial culling of 51 cows on a farm near Fivemiletown, County Tyrone, after Northern Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) carried out the operation in June in view of some members of the public. According to the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU), confidence in the department’s veterinary and enforcement processes has been severely damaged by the incident.
Court Order and Department Rationale
Stormont Minister of Agriculture Andrew Muir stated that the livestock were euthanised by Daera staff following a court order issued after a man was convicted of a number of offences and disqualified for life from keeping animals. According to Muir, the department granted the herd keeper a three-week window to sell or otherwise dispose of the animals, but the keeper only divested himself of a small number, leaving 51 cows on the land that required removal.
“The department was unfortunately left with no reasonable alternative to comply with the court order, other than to euthanise the animals,” Muir said, explaining that professional veterinary staff assessed remote removal as impossible under the circumstances.
Farming Sector Reaction and Calls for Independence
The UFU has pushed back strongly against the department’s handling of the enforcement action. According to UFU president John McLenaghan, the events have shaken confidence in Daera to its core. McLenaghan stated that members across every county and farming sector are questioning how the incident occurred, whether it could have been prevented, and how trust can be rebuilt.
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“The farming community will not regain confidence if the department is perceived to be investigating itself,” McLenaghan said, demanding a review led by an independent panel of experts that is demonstrably transparent and robust.
Upcoming Scrutiny at Stormont
Minister Muir is scheduled to appear before the Daera scrutiny committee at Stormont to address the Fivemiletown incident directly. McLenaghan stressed that the hearing must avoid becoming a routine box-ticking exercise.
“It must be a genuine examination of what happened, why it happened and what must now be actioned,” McLenaghan said. The UFU confirmed it is holding ongoing discussions with political representatives across the Assembly to ensure committee members understand the widespread concern across the farming community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the cows in County Tyrone euthanised?
According to Daera, 51 cows were euthanised by department staff to comply with a court order after their keeper was convicted of offences and disqualified for life from keeping animals.
Who is calling for an independent review?
The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU), led by president John McLenaghan, has demanded an independent expert panel review to examine Daera’s veterinary and enforcement processes.
What has Minister Andrew Muir said about the incident?
Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir stated that professional veterinary staff assessed remote removal as impossible and that the department had no reasonable alternative under the court order.
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