Fivemiletown cattle cull review must deliver transparency, accountability and answers: MP

The independent unionist MP described the events in Fivemiletown as a defining moment for DAERA, saying that the review must go far beyond a box-ticking exercise or a superficial attempt to draw a line under what happened.

The report is due for publication around lunchtime tomorrow, Tuesday 10th November.

Ms Lockhart said: “With the review into the Fivemiletown cattle cull expected this week, there is an enormous responsibility on those involved to ensure that the findings provide genuine answers.

“Farmers and members of the public expect full transparency. They want to know precisely what happened, why decisions were taken, what alternatives were considered and whether every possible step was taken to protect the welfare of those animals.

“Let us hope this is not simply a gesture exercise or another lessons-learned report that allows the Department to move on without meaningful accountability.”

The MP added: “Let’s consider the facts. Fifty-one cattle were shot dead by DAERA staff following a court deprivation order. The circumstances surrounding that operation, the manner in which it was carried out and the alternatives that were available have caused deep concern across Northern Ireland.

“So many questions remain unanswered. The existence of a court order does not remove the responsibility on a Government Department to demonstrate that its actions were proportionate, justified and compliant with animal welfare requirements.”

Ms Lockhart described the fateful day as a defining moment for DAERA. She said: “The outcome struck at the heart of public confidence in the Department and has left a lasting impression across the farming community. This cannot simply be treated as another difficult episode to be quietly closed off.

“There are so many unanswered questions. Why were other options not pursued? Who made the key decisions? Was the operation properly planned and managed? Were all animal welfare considerations fully taken into account? And, crucially, will anyone be held accountable if failings are identified?

“These are not unreasonable questions. They are questions that deserve clear and comprehensive answers.”

Carla Lockhart MP added: “Minister Muir chose to proceed with an external review led by former Dublin Government chief vet Dr Martin Blake, rather than heed industry calls for a more comprehensive, multidisciplinary panel-led investigation. That decision makes it all the more important that the report is thorough, independent in its approach and completely transparent in its findings.

“The farming community will not accept a report that simply seeks to defend the Department or justify decisions already taken. The review must identify shortcomings, acknowledge mistakes and make meaningful recommendations.”

She continued: “Lessons must be learned, but those lessons must be backed up by action. There must be a clear account of what went wrong, what needs to change and who is responsible for ensuring those changes happen.

“The fallout from the event was unprecedented, resulting in an Ulster Farmers’ Union vote of no confidence in DAERA and the Minister, reflecting the depth of frustration and the breakdown in confidence that has developed within the agricultural industry.

“Fivemiletown did not happen in isolation. It became the straw that broke the camel’s back for a farming community which feels increasingly lectured, blamed and disregarded by the Department that should be championing it.”

Ms Lockhart added: “Andrew Muir cannot expect farmers simply to move on. Nor can the Department expect public confidence to be restored through warm words and assurances.

“The public deserves the truth. Farmers deserve answers. And if the review identifies failures, there must be accountability.

“I will continue to press for full scrutiny of what happened in Fivemiletown. This catastrophe cannot and must not be brushed under the carpet. The truth must come out, and those responsible must be answerable.”