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The agriculture minister has defended the decision to euthanise 51 cattle in a field in County Tyrone at the end of June, stating there was “no reasonable alternative” to carrying out the cull on-site. The incident sparked widespread criticism, particularly due to reports that the animals were culled by Department of Agriculture officials in full view of members of the public near Fivemiletown. In response, the minister explained that while it is generally preferable to remove and euthanise animals away from the premises, veterinarians involved determined that this option was not feasible in this particular case.
According to the minister, efforts were made to select areas within the field that would limit public exposure to the operation. Local politicians from the Clogher Valley region had already expressed concern following accounts from residents and neighbours who were disturbed after witnessing some of the cattle being put down. The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) clarified that the cull was enacted under a court order, a result of a previous animal welfare conviction concerning the herd’s owner. The court had mandated the loss of ownership for all farmed animals on the property and ordered their destruction.
In a detailed written statement to the assembly, the minister provided further context, explaining that the original owner had been given three weeks to sell or otherwise dispose of the livestock following the conviction. Upon arrival, 51 cattle remained on the farm, leaving Daera staff no viable alternative but to euthanise them in compliance with the court order. He elaborated on the challenges faced, noting a lack of suitable and safe facilities for remote euthanasia, the animals’ temperament, transport difficulties especially since some were horned, and the impracticality of moving all cattle from the site. The majority, 50 cattle, were euthanised on June 29, with the final animal put down the following day. Carcass disposal occurred promptly and at the department’s expense.
Concerns had also been raised about public and neighbour exposure to the culling process and the noise of gunfire. The minister rebutted claims of loud gunfire, stating that silencers were employed and that the operation was conducted in parts of the field intended to minimize public view, although total screening was impossible. There was an incident in which a local farmer, along with another individual and the herd keeper, attempted to take some animals from the field, leading to delays and safety risks when the cattle were released onto a public road. Despite metal efforts, the animals could not be detained and Daera staff had to intervene to complete the operation. Some protesters briefly gathered but left before the cull resumed. The minister condemned online abuse and threats directed at Daera officials following the event, calling the case complex and distressing. In light of the controversy, he has ordered an external review and is scheduled to defend the department’s actions at a Stormont committee meeting this Monday
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