USPCA Calls on DAERA to Publish Internal Review Findings

Northern Ireland animal welfare charity, the USPCA, is calling on the Department of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to publish the outcome of an internal review which will scrutinise its response to significant animal welfare concerns raised by Dr Bronckaers.

Working as a DAERA vet for 19 years, Dr Bronckaers’ experience detailed issues of animal neglect, biosecurity failings, and lack of recordings regarding the movement of cattle – issues which were dismissed by the Department at the time.

USPCA Chief Executive, Brendan Mullan, said, “This case raises many serious concerns for the USPCA – firstly, it is unacceptable that animals were denied the basic right of food, water and shelter, as was the case in instances documented by Dr Bronckaers. Secondly, we are deeply troubled by the Department’s handling of these blatant animal welfare breaches – instead of actively investigating the concerns, veterinary personnel were instructed to stop unannounced inspections and have these pre-arranged instead.

“In this instance, while we would urge for stronger enforcement action, a warning to the establishment[s] in question would have been a step in the right direction as it is important to work with the industry to improve standards. However, the Department’s response went beyond this and halted all unannounced inspections – this in our view is completely unacceptable and displays an uncomfortably close relationship where appropriate monitoring and enforcement is impossible.

“Unannounced inspections are a necessity in order to ensure high standards of animal welfare, and of course, biosecurity. The fact is that we have an establishment here that has clearly broken the law and enforcement action should have been taken – otherwise what sort of message does this send to perpetrators of animal neglect?

“The issue of biosecurity breaches regarding cattle movement is of grave concern, particularly when considering the recent green light given to an indiscriminate badger cull here in Northern Ireland. Time and time again we have emphasised that badgers do not cause TB in cattle and have highlighted the industry’s need for greater biosecurity to stop the spread of the disease – and now, here we have a case that shines a light on a complete lack of biosecurity and traceability.

“Overall, we need DAERA to be accountable for their failings and put measures in place to ensure history is not repeated. The fact that the Department was going to appeal the Tribunal decision unfortunately begs the question as to how serious they are in addressing the issues raised. We believe that the outcome of DAERA’s internal review should be published and opened to external scrutiny in order to provide much-needed assurance to the public that they accept responsibility for their failings and are going to do something about it."