Auto Amazon Links: No products found.
A farmers’ union has demanded the resignation of Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir following an investigation by his department into the culling of 51 cattle in County Tyrone. The animals were shot in June, sparking public complaints about how the operation was conducted, as it took place within earshot of bystanders. Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) President John McLenaghan expressed serious doubts regarding the impartiality of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs’ (Daera) inquiry into the event. Furthermore, the union has called for the immediate resignations of Daera’s permanent secretary Katrina Godfrey and Chief Veterinary Officer Brian Dooher.
Earlier this month, Daera announced a review of the cull; however, the UFU’s Executive Committee convened on Thursday night and voiced strong criticism. In a statement released on Friday, the UFU declared that it “does not have the confidence in the independence of the review as presently constituted, including the scope of the Terms of Reference and appointment of a single person to conduct it.” The union emphasized the need for any investigation into an incident of such gravity to be “demonstrably independent, robust and capable of commanding the confidence of farm families and the wider public.”
Animal welfare inspections dating back to 2022 uncovered severe issues at the farm, including the presence of 33 animal carcasses, feed contaminated with urine and feces, and malnourished livestock. The farmer was convicted in May of multiple animal welfare offenses and banned from keeping animals for life. Charges against him included 13 counts of failure to dispose of animal carcasses, one count of non-compliance with an Animal By-Products notice, six counts of causing unnecessary suffering, and one count of failing to produce medicine records. Following this, a deprivation order was issued on 8 June requiring the removal of all animals from his possession. After an appeal period and the opportunity to transfer or sell the animals, a humane slaughter team arrived on 29 June to cull the 51 remaining cattle, completing the operation by 30 June. The method and conduct of the cull raised questions after it was witnessed by members of the public, prompting local councillors, politicians, and farming leaders to seek further scrutiny.
During a session with the Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (AERA) committee, it was revealed that officials had been engaged with the farmer after numerous inspections since 2022. Minister Muir described the situation as “grotesque” and acknowledged that “a large number of animals were caused unnecessary suffering,” which justified the deprivation order. The department had no legal alternative but to act to remove the livestock. While 21 animals had been removed during the grace period, 51 remained on the farm. The cull proceeded in two areas by mid-afternoon on 29 June, but during the slaughter in the final area, some cattle escaped when a local farmer attempted to purchase them. After they were rounded up again, a veterinarian recommended they be shot. Questions have been raised about the firearms and ammunition used, and why on-site slaughter was chosen. Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer Gemma Daly described the cattle as “semi-feral,” noting staff concerns over how to handle the animals safely and humanely. Officials admitted the department might technically have breached the court order by extending the grace period, and acknowledged challenges including that about half of the animals were unfit for the food chain, with others too young for slaughter. Senior Principal Veterinary Officer Elsie McGarvey stated officials were “always prepared” for the farmer’s disqualification and anticipated “significant issues” in removing the animals.
The relationship between Daera and the UFU has previously been strained, with the union’s Executive passing a vote of no confidence in the department (though not the minister) last October following controversy over a draft Nutrients Action Programme consultation. That document has since been revised by a group including farmers, agri-food representatives, conservationists, and environmentalists. However, the strong farmer turnout at Monday’s protest demonstrates ongoing dissatisfaction. The findings of Dr. Blake’s review into the cattle cull will be closely watched. Meanwhile, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) has submitted a motion of no confidence in Minister Muir, which requires 30 signatures to be debated in the Assembly. Ultimately, any leadership changes within the department would need to come from the minister’s own party or the minister himself, who has only seven months left to introduce major policies to the Executive
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.