Knackery operators who have closed their businesses in a dispute with the Department of Agriculture have sought an emergency meeting with Department officials.

A spokesperson for the Animal Collectors Association (ACA) said it has been mandated by its members at a meeting on Friday to request an emergency meeting to resolve what it called the “recently published, unagreed fallen animal scheme”.

“Regrettably, the ACA have been informed by the Department of Agriculture that they are unavailable to meet until Monday afternoon, 2 March,” the spokesperson said.

“However, the ACA remain available for further discussions with the Department to bring the current situation to a conclusion asap.”

The ACA said it was fully aware of the unfolding health and environmental issues affecting the country. On Wednesday, knackery operators ceased collecting from farms, while their gates were closed to all fallen animals on Thursday and Friday.

Spring is the busiest time of year for the fallen animal business, as calving and lambing get under way in earnest.

Scariff Mart called off on Saturday due to Storm Jorge

Farmers being used as pawns by knackeries

Farmers advised to store fallen animals as knackeries strike

Knackeries seek emergency meeting with Department

Animal Collectors Association members met on Friday to discuss its centre closures.