Newry and Armagh MLA , Gareth Wilson, has welcomed the opportunity to address unanswered questions about the growing Cattle Cull Controversy at Monday's emergency meeting of the AERA Committee.

Mr Wilson, who is a member of the AERA Committee, commented: “I welcome the opportunity to challenge the DAERA Minister directly on a scandal that has fundamentally damaged the reputation of his Department. This shocking incident undermines the Department's role in upholding animal welfare standards.

“Many farmers will rightly ask how the Department was so haphazard in its approach to the welfare of these cattle, yet can be so zealous when applying often arduous restrictions on ordinary farmers, the vast majority of whom deeply care about the welfare of their animals.

“As recently as May, the Minister lamented the harm to animals and livestock caused by organised fox hunts whilst debating the proposed Hunting with Dogs Bill. Now we know just a few months later his Department facilitated a large-scale shooting spree of cattle in full view of the public.”

The Newry and Armagh MLA concluded: “Serious questions remain over the decision-making process behind this incident, such as why the cattle were not able to be removed from the farm before being culled in a secure location? My colleagues and I look forward to getting to the bottom of these questions at Monday’s meeting.”