THE Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has moved to reassure concerns after a video emerged of dead and dying cattle on a County Fermanagh farm.
Other farmers in the area and members of the public were reported to be horrified by the scene and called for an investigation.
Last month, police confirmed officers assisted DAERA staff around animal welfare issues at the farm.
The disclosure was made following reports that a farmer allegedly was instructed to shoot around 60 cattle due to starvation, which he contended was on the instructions from DEARA officials.
The famer’s identity and location of his property are known, but are not being published at this stage.
The Department was asked to clarify if the reports are correct, and if so, how many cattle did this relate to.
It was also asked if it is common practice for DAERA to direct cattle to be shot in such circumstances, and if relevant charges in respect of animal welfare are pending.
A spokesperson responded: “Veterinary officers are currently investigating concerns regarding animal welfare in County Fermanagh.”
In response to an enquiry in whether the PSNI were involved, a spokesperson said: “Police provided assistance to DAERA officers on Tuesday, February 9, in the Fermanagh area.”
With the emergence of the video last week showing a very distressing scene of dead and dying cattle in a shed, DAERA was again pressed on the situation.
A spokesperson for DAERA replied: “A large animal welfare investigation, concerning a farm in County Fermanagh, is ongoing and the Department is unable to comment further on the detail of this case.
“However, in general, there are a number of circumstances where the Department is required to humanely slaughter animals, for the protection of animal welfare, where suffering or distress is present; protection of animal health, due to the presence of notifiable disease; or occasionally to protect animal traceability, in cases where DAERA is legally obliged to slaughter animals whose identity or traceability is unknown.
“The Department’s Humane Slaughter Team (HST) are highly-trained and equipped to undertake the task professionally and humanely, in line with the legislation, animal welfare best practice, and health and safety considerations.
“HST members always verify the death of an animal before leaving or moving on to other animals. A veterinary surgeon is always involved in the process.
“There is no doubt that the humane slaughter of animals is extremely distressing for all involved, particularly the herdkeeper.
“The Department always acts in the best interests of the animals involved.”
