"Distressing scenes" as over 50 cows shot dead in broad daylight in Co. Tyrone
A DAERA review is underway after 51 cattle were culled in Fivemiletown
Last updated 31st Jul 2026
A review has been launched after 51 cattle were culled in Fivemiletown, Co. Tyrone, with some of the incident being visible to the public.
The culling came as a result of a Court Deprivation Order following animal welfare offences.
DUP's Deborah Erskine, MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, compared the scene to "something like the wild west".
She states the public are owed an apology as she received many complaints from the community regarding the incident.
"They should not have had to have witness this".
Erskine urges the need for implementation of change following the review.
"It is important that, going forward, DAERA learn from this and they implement those lessons they have learnt"
"We need to ensure that this does not happen again".
President of the Ulster Farmers' Union, John McLenaghan, said questions have been raised about how the court order was conducted.
"Regardless of the circumstances surrounding the enforcement action, the destruction of livestock must be carried out in a manner that is humane, proportionate and maintains confidence among farmers and the wider public".
The UFU have requested an immediate meeting with Minister Andrew Muir to discuss their concerns.
The Department of Agriculture said "the methodology selected was considered the most appropriate in the circumstances".
DAERA have confirmed they will complete a "lessons learned review to identify any improvements for future operations".