Farmer dismay at NI cattle shooting inquiry appointment

Farmers and politicians in Northern Ireland have challenged the appointment of a former government vet from the Republic of Ireland to conduct a review into the shooting of 51 cows on a farm in County Tyrone last June.

The issue, which involved trained marksmen from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera), has created uproar in Northern Ireland.

See also: Mass farmer demo as NI minister defends emergency cattle cull

Agriculture minister Andrew Muir told an Assembly committee this week that his department had no choice but to shoot the animals after the keeper was issued with a deprivation order following a conviction for animal welfare offences.

Yet farmers, who staged a mass rally at Stormont this week, say the animals were perfectly healthy and more effort should have been made to rehome them.

External review

Mr Muir had previously announced a full, independent external review would be launched into the matter, and on Wednesday (12 August) he appointed Dr Martin Blake, former chief veterinary officer for Ireland, to carry out the review.

“I am confident Dr Blake has the experience and knowledge to lead this exercise,” he said.

However, the Ulster Farmers Union is adamant that additional panel members are required to ensure a proper job.

UFU president John McLenaghan said: “Dr Blake brings significant experience and expertise to the review and the UFU has no reason to question either his integrity or his ability to undertake this work.

“However, given the scale and complexity of the incident, we remain of the view that it is difficult for any one person to undertake a review of this nature in a way that is completely independent.

“Whether through legal and animal welfare representation, practical farming experience or other independent voices, a panel would provide greater balance, fairness and confidence in the process.”

‘Serious concerns’ 

Westminster MP for Upper Bann in County Armagh, Carla Lockhart, had further “serious concerns” about the appointment.

“I am not questioning Dr Blake’s personal integrity, professionalism or considerable expertise,” she said.

“But the question is whether the person appointed is sufficiently removed from the professional structures, relationships and areas of work being examined for farmers and the wider public to have complete confidence in the outcome.”

Ms Lockhart pointed to the “long-standing professional and operational relationships between the veterinary authorities north and south”.

“Daera cannot be seen to appoint someone from essentially the same professional sphere to mark the department’s homework,” she said.