Full Breakdown
Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU) Demands Resignations Over Controversial Cattle Cull in County Tyrone
8/14/2026, 10:25:20 PM
The Incident and Union Reaction
In June, 51 cattle were shot in County Tyrone as part of a cull ordered under a court directive. The operation took place within hearing distance of members of the public, prompting the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) to call for the resignation of Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir, DAERA Permanent Secretary Katrina Godfrey, and Chief Veterinary Officer Brian Dooher. UFU President John McLenaghan said the union no longer has confidence in the department and that the incident reflects a broader loss of trust between farmers and officials.
Background and Review Concerns
DAERA officials have maintained that euthanising the cattle on site was the only viable option and described the action as a “last resort” required by the court order. An external review of the cull was announced by DAERA earlier this month. The UFU, however, questions the independence of that review, citing the limited Terms of Reference and the appointment of a single reviewer rather than a specialist panel.
Official Statements & Responses
Minister Andrew Muir asserted that there was “no reasonable alternative” to on-site euthanasia and emphasized compliance with the court order. The senior civil servants’ union, the FDA, described the UFU’s resignation demands as “entirely inappropriate,” noting that officials are “duty-bound to serve ministers” and cannot defend themselves publicly.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Independence cannot just be simply stated, it must be evident in how a review is established, who conducts it, what they are empowered to investigate and whether they are able to follow the evidence wherever it leads.” — John McLenaghan, UFU president “Independence cannot just be simply stated, it must be evident in how a review is established, who conducts it, what they are empowered to investigate and whether they are able to follow the evidence wherever it leads.” — Mr McLenaghan, president
- “The UFU’s position is clear. We no longer have confidence that the Department can deliver.” — John McLenaghan, UFU president “The UFU’s position is clear. We no longer have confidence that the Department can deliver.” — John McLenaghan, president
Next Steps
DAERA’s announced external review will proceed, but the UFU has pledged to press for a “transparent, independent, and public” investigation of the Fivemiletown operation. The union’s executive committee met urgently to formalise its vote of no confidence and to coordinate further pressure on the department.
