Stormont agriculture committee to meet to discuss shooting of 51 cows
By Press Association reporters
Stormont’s agriculture Committee is to meet to discuss the shooting of 51 cows in a field in Co Tyrone.
The cull was carried out by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs’ (Daera) Humane Slaughter Team on land near Fivemiletown last month.
However, concerns have been raised about the public nature of the incident.
The Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) and political representatives have said they had concerns about the way it was carried out.
Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir has previously ordered an external review of the incident.
The chairman of the Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee Robbie Butler confirmed that an extraordinary meeting will take place next Monday during the Assembly’s summer recess to discuss the issue.
DUP deputy leader Michelle McIlveen said: “My colleague Deborah Erskine has been raising concerns related to this case with the minister for nearly five weeks and whilst the independent review initiated by the minister is necessary, it is important that the committee has an opportunity to scrutinise the incident.
“We will continue to ensure that the minister and his officials are held to account for this incident.
The scenes witnessed outside Fivemiletown were truly shocking and took place in view of the public.
“The scenes witnessed outside Fivemiletown were truly shocking and took place in view of the public.
“It is therefore important that discussions pertaining to this are also held in the public domain.”
Daera officials carried out the cull after a court order following a previous animal welfare conviction of the cattle owner.
Announcing his review of the incident on Sunday, Mr Muir said he recognised animal welfare is an “important issue for the people of Northern Ireland”.
He said: “I fully appreciate the concerns expressed following the euthanasia of cattle near Fivemiletown, undertaken following a court order.
“I want to reassure everyone that I and my chief veterinary officer take those concerns very seriously.
“Engagement with the UFU and the USPCA to hear their concerns is already planned and a review of the circumstances surrounding the intervention is also being taken forward.
“To provide assurance and ensure that the circumstances and context in which the actions of veterinary staff took place is more fully understood and any lessons for the future identified, I have now determined that this review must be taken forward by someone outside the department.
“We will very shortly publish the terms of reference and, once the review has been completed, will also make public the findings and recommendations and share these with the Assembly.
“I have also asked to meet the chair and deputy chair of the AERA Committee to set out the particular circumstances surrounding the intervention that took place and to outline the actions we are taking and I look forward to this engagement.”
