UFU demands full transparency and accountability over Fivemiletown cattle incident
The Ulster Farmers’ Union has demanded full transparency and accountability regarding the destruction of 51 cattle near Fivemiletown.
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.”
“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. ”
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. Mr McLenaghan continued, “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.”
“Alongside the review of this specific incident, we believe 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.
Mr McLenaghan added, “We need firm safeguards to ensure that an incident of this nature is never repeated. This should include a properly documented assessment of every reasonable alternative, suitable facilities for containing and handling livestock, clear veterinary supervision and an individual with the authority to halt an operation if animal welfare or public safety is being compromised.”
The UFU stressed that its continued engagement with DAERA should not be interpreted as acceptance of the Department’s actions, “Our responsibility is to hold the Department to account and secure meaningful change on behalf of farmers.
“The UFU has heard the strength of feeling within the farming community. We will continue to demand the answers our members deserve and will not allow this matter to be closed without full transparency, accountability and action.”
“The farming industry takes animal welfare extremely seriously, and farmers work every day to maintain high standards of care for their livestock. Incidents and images of this nature risk damaging public confidence and creating a deeply misleading impression of an industry that has much to be proud of. That makes it even more important that the full facts are established, that accountability is secured and that public confidence in both animal welfare enforcement and Northern Ireland agriculture is restored.”
