The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has said an "independent review must be carried out as a matter of urgency" after 51 cattle were shot during an operation in Co. Tyrone.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) confirmed that an operation was conducted "on June 29, 2026 at a farm near Fivemiletown, Co. Tyrone, to execute a Court Deprivation Order on a herd belonging to a disqualified keeper, in respect of animal welfare offences".

According to DAERA the operation in Tyrone had been "planned in advance and the methodology selected was considered the most appropriate in the circumstances".

The department said this had taken account "of animal welfare, staff and public safety, and the views of relevant operational teams, including engagement with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI)".

Following a meeting with Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer Brian Dooher, the UFU said it had conveyed the "considerable anger, distress and concern" being expressed by farmers across Northern Ireland following the operation.

The UFU said the external review must be carried out as a "matter of urgency".

'Distressing'

UFU president John McLenaghan said the "images and accounts that have emerged from this incident have been deeply distressing", and have raised "serious questions".

"The destruction of livestock must always be conducted humanely, justified, professionally and in a controlled manner," McLenaghan said.

“During our meeting, we made clear the depth of anger among our membership."

The UFU said a "full and factual explanation" from DAERA is needed.

'Transparent'

The UFU said the external review that is due to take place into the incident "must be transparent, thorough and completed within a clear and timely timeframe".

"It must be capable of examining both the decisions taken beforehand and the conduct of the operation on the ground," the UFU said.

"The review must establish the complete facts, consider the evidence of those who witnessed the incident and identify whether there were failures in planning, animal handling, veterinary oversight or operational control.  

"It must also be conducted without unnecessary delay.

"With this we understand certain information will not be available to us until the independent review is completed."

McLenaghan added that the farming industry takes animal welfare "extremely seriously, and farmers work every day to maintain high standards of care for their livestock".

"Incidents and images of this nature risk damaging public confidence and creating a deeply misleading impression of an industry that has much to be proud of," he said.