The terms of reference for an independent external review into the shooting of 51 cattle outside a farm in Fivemiletown, Co Tyrone at the end of June, have been published by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland (NI).
The review, to be led by Dr Martin Blake, the former chief vet in Ireland, will assess whether the operation was conducted in accordance with the relevant legal framework and DAERA procedures, as well as identifying lessons to inform future practice.
Among the objectives of the review is to assess whether the operation found the appropriate balance between legal obligations, animal welfare, practicality and staff and public safety.
Dr Blake will “have full access to all relevant information held by DAERA” and it will also be possible for others to provide relevant information.
His task is to deliver a report which will summarise evidence, while identifying good practice, areas for improvement and which makes recommendations for future operations.
“It is the Department’s expectation that the review should be completed by early Autumn, or more quickly, if possible,” states the document.