The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has demanded full transparency and accountability regarding the destruction of 51 cattle near Fivemiletown, Co Tyrone, which occurred in June.
Following a meeting with chief veterinary officer Brian Dooher, the UFU said it had conveyed directly the considerable anger, distress and concern being expressed by farmers across Northern Ireland and how an independent review must be carried out as a matter of urgency.
UFU president John McLenaghan said: “The images and accounts that have emerged from this incident have been deeply distressing and have raised serious questions about how the operation was planned, authorised and carried out.
“The destruction of livestock must always be conducted humanely, justified, professionally and in a controlled manner. Farmers rightly expect the department responsible for enforcing animal welfare legislation to demonstrate the highest possible standards in its own actions.
'Anger among membership'
“During our meeting, we made clear the depth of anger among our membership. Farmers need more than a general assurance that lessons will be learned. They deserve a full and factual explanation from the department of what happened, why particular decisions were taken and what will change as a result,” he said.
Review
The UFU said the independent review into the incident must be transparent, thorough and completed within a clear and timely timeframe.
It must be capable of examining both the decisions taken beforehand and the conduct of the operation on the ground, it said.
McLenaghan said the review must establish the complete facts, consider the evidence of those who witnessed the incident and identify whether there were failures in planning, animal handling, veterinary oversight or operational control.
“It must also be conducted without unnecessary delay. Its terms of reference, expected completion date and findings should be published and there must be clarity on how witnesses and other relevant parties can submit evidence.
“With this we understand certain information will not be available to us until the independent review is completed,” he said.
Wider examination
He added that the union believes that there should be a separate and wider examination of previous history involving the seizure or destruction of livestock and the conduct of DAERA officials during those operations.
“This is necessary to establish whether there are recurring concerns, whether previous lessons were acted upon and whether the department’s existing procedures and culture are fit for purpose,” he said.
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