Ulster Farmers Union raises serious concerns over key conclusions of Fivemiletown review

The committee acknowledged the work undertaken by Dr Martin Blake in examining the destruction of 51 cattle in Fivemiletown following a court deprivation order, while warning that serious questions remain over key animal welfare findings and accountability for the operation.

UFU deputy president Clement Lynch said: “We recognise the extensive work undertaken by Martin Blake in producing this review.

"His findings have exposed serious failings within DAERA and reinforced many of the concerns raised by the UFU from the outset.

“However, the anger and distress among our members has not gone away

"While the review provides important answers, there are conclusions that our committee believes require further explanation.”

The Committee has questioned three findings relating to the suitability of in-situ culling, the competence of the slaughter team and the assessment that the culling methodology was not inhumane.

Mr Lynch added: “Our members have serious concerns surrounding the conclusion that culling cattle in open fields caused less stress than gathering and transporting them.

"Farmers have firsthand experience of livestock behaviour and understand how cattle react.

“Reports of cattle running raise important questions about the level of distress experienced and whether this was adequately considered in reaching the review's conclusions.

“While the review found that the slaughter team followed recognised procedures, questions remain about how that assessment can be reconciled with failures in animal accounting, site clearance and the subsequent discovery of an injured calf.

"These are serious shortcomings which warrant further explanation alongside the review's animal welfare conclusions.”

The Committee has also sought clarification on the legal expertise underpinning the review's assessment of the lawfulness and proportionality of the operation.

Mr Lynch added, “The review sets out the legal basis for the Department's actions, but we want greater clarity on the legal analysis underpinning the conclusions reached, particularly in relation to proportionality and how the court order was executed.”

Turning to the Department's response, Mr Lynch acknowledged the acceptance of responsibility by DAERA's Permanent Secretary and the Minister's commitment to implementing the review's recommendations, but stressed that further action was needed to restore confidence.

“The Permanent Secretary has accepted responsibility for the significant shortcomings identified in the review, and we acknowledge the Minister's commitment to implementing its recommendations.

"However, the legality of the operation cannot be the sole measure of whether it was conducted appropriately.

"The failings identified in governance, planning, oversight and communication, alongside the considerable distress caused, demand more than procedural changes.

“The consequences of this operation extended far beyond the farm involved.

" The distress caused to the local community, the damage to public confidence in DAERA and the wider impact on the reputation of Northern Ireland's farming sector cannot be dismissed simply because the operation was deemed lawful.

“The Minister must fully recognise the seriousness of that impact and demonstrate the leadership needed to deliver meaningful cultural change within DAERA.

“Farmers and the wider community deserve more than assurances that lessons will be learned.

"They deserve an acknowledgement of the harm caused and confidence that such failings will never be repeated.”

UFU Animal Health and Welfare Committee chair Dessie Fulton stressed that the findings must now lead to meaningful improvements in how DAERA manages and oversees such operations.

Mr Fulton said, “The review has exposed serious weaknesses in how DAERA planned, managed and oversaw this operation.

"Those findings must result in meaningful change, with clear responsibility for ensuring that the same failures cannot happen again.

“The farming community is entitled to a full and transparent account of what took place in Fivemiletown.

"The review has identified significant failings and provided a basis for reform, but confidence will only be restored when outstanding questions are answered and meaningful change is delivered.”