Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir has defended the actions of his department in a controversial cull of cattle, stating that officials were legally obligated to act after discovering a "grotesque" situation and "unnecessary suffering" among the animals.
Inspections of the farm, which began in 2022, revealed a significant number of animals were not being properly cared for. This led to a deprivation order, legally requiring the department to remove all livestock from the individual.
"The department had no choice," Muir stated. "And so my officials took the necessary steps to fulfil this legal obligation."
Details of the Operation
During a grace period, 21 animals were removed from the farm, but 51 remained. Officials reported that animals in two areas were disposed of by 13:30 on June 29. The slaughter operation in the final area was interrupted when a local farmer offered to purchase some of the remaining cattle. However, these animals escaped onto the road when attempts to round them up failed.
They were eventually herded back, and a veterinarian recommended they be shot. One final animal was disposed of on June 30, with carcasses removed later that day. Questions have been raised about the weapons used, ammunition quantities, and the decision to conduct slaughter in situ.
Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer Gemma Daly described the cattle as "semi-feral," noting that staff had previously expressed concerns about handling the animals without causing them stress or risking injury to themselves. Senior Principal Veterinary Officer Elsie McGarvey added that approximately half of the animals were unsuitable for the food chain, and others were too young.
McGarvey also indicated that officials were "always prepared" for the farmer to be disqualified and were aware that removing the animals would present "significant issues."
Minister Muir has maintained that there was "no reasonable alternative" to the cattle being euthanized on site. He has stated he will continue to engage with the Ulster Farmers' Union. The Ulster Farmers' Union has called for Muir's resignation in light of the incident.