UFU Deputy President John McLenaghan, on his farm near Garvagh. Picture: Cliff Donaldson
The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has requested an immediate meeting with DAERA Minister Andrew Muir following a recent enforcement operation in County Tyrone that has generated significant concern among members.
The Union has also sought further information from the Department regarding the planning and execution of the operation and the decision-making process.
UFU President John McLenaghan said, “The level of concern among our members cannot be ignored. While we recognise this operation was carried out under a Court Deprivation Order, serious questions have been raised about how it was conducted.
“Regardless of the circumstances surrounding the enforcement action, the destruction of livestock must be carried out in a manner that is humane, proportionate and maintains confidence among farmers and the wider public.
“We have requested an immediate meeting with Minister Muir to discuss our concerns directly. We also note DAERA’s commitment to undertake a lessons learned review, and we expect that process to provide clear answers and full transparency.”
