Ulster Farmers' Union demands review after Tyrone cattle cull

The Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU) is demanding an independent review following the state-sanctioned culling of 51 cattle in Fivemiletown, Co. Tyrone. The operation, conducted by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), has sparked significant tension between agricultural regulators and the farming community.

DAERA officials stated the cull was executed to comply with a Court Deprivation Order regarding a herd belonging to a disqualified keeper due to animal welfare and disposal offences. Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir defended the action, stating that the department was "unfortunately left with no reasonable alternative to comply with the court order, other than to euthanise the animals." He noted that the humane slaughter team followed best practices and legislative requirements.

However, the UFU has expressed shock and anger, specifically criticizing the methodology of the operation. The union argues that the cull was carried out in a manner visible to the public, which they believe failed to account for the sensitivity of the situation. Farmers are planning to protest at Stormont as the Northern Ireland Assembly Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (AERA) holds an extraordinary meeting to discuss the incident.