The terms of reference for an independent external review into the shooting of 51 cattle outside a farm in Fivemiletown at the end of June, have been published by DAERA.
The review, to be undertaken by Dr Martin Blake, the former chief vet in the Republic of 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”, to include all records associated with the operation, and will be facilitated to interview all officials he considers necessary, to understand the actions they took and why. It will also be possible for others to provide relevant information.
“Members of the public with evidence of what occurred during the operation on 29-30th June will be able to submit this to the reviewer through a dedicated email account which will be communicated separately once set up by the reviewer,” states the document.
Dr Blake is tasked with delivering 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,” concludes the document.
SHARING OPTIONS