Farmers protest at Stormont over Tyrone cattle cull

Hundreds of farmers gathered at Stormont to protest a Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) enforcement operation in County Tyrone. The protest follows the shooting of 51 cattle near Fivemiletown in June, an action carried out to execute a court order following an animal welfare conviction of the landowner.

Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir addressed an emergency meeting of the Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee, describing the incident as a “deeply distressing and sensitive issue.” Muir stated that while it is generally preferable to euthanize animals remotely, veterinary staff determined that on-site euthanasia was the only possible option in this case. He noted that silencers were used to minimize exposure to the public, despite conflicting reports from witnesses.

The incident has drawn intense criticism from farming organizations, including the Ulster Farmers Union and Farmers for Action, with some calling for Minister Muir’s resignation. The Minister also reported receiving a death threat regarding the operation and has ordered an independent, external review into the conduct of the cull.