Gildernew confirms aborted foetus dumped in Dungannon

An unreported aborted foetus has been dumped, this time at the premises of a DARD official in the Dungannon area.

The incident occurred over the weekend and is being investigated by the PSNI.

Reacting to this new development, the Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle GIldernew MP, MLA said: "I am appalled by this irresponsible action and the clear intent of those who perpetrated it to continue with these illegal actions which threaten farming families and their animals. We will follow up this latest incident as rigorously as possible. The PSNI have carried out preliminary investigations as well as forensic analysis of the scene, and the foetus itself is undergoing laboratory testing for brucellosis before DNA analysis is carried out.

"While the motive for this is not obvious, what is clear is that there are those in the farming community prepared to deliberately break the laws intended to protect farmers, their families and their animals for their own motives. If this latest incident does anything it is to underline how little regard the individuals, who take this sort of action, have for the whole farming and rural community. The PSNI are taking these incidents very seriously and both cases are under active investigation. The fact that, on this occasion, a member of my veterinary staff was deliberately targeted will not deflect our efforts to pursue those responsible and only strengthens our resolve to catch the perpetrators. "

In conclusion she said: "This sinister incident follows the finding of a foetus, dumped in similar circumstances in a field in Lislea, County Armagh in January. I find this behaviour totally unacceptable and cannot understand why these individuals continue to risk our local cattle industry. We must all be on our guard against these attacks and I wish to renew my appeal for help to the public, for anyone who has any information about these incidents to contact the PSNI or DARD. It is important that the entire farming community unite against this sort of reckless and illegal behaviour and assist us in any way possible, so that together we can eradicate brucellosis from the island of Ireland."

Notes to editors:

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