Twenty two cattle found dead on farm

Twenty two cattle have been found dead on a Co Armagh farm, and two more animals have had to be put down, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development revealed today.

The incident has been described as horrific by DARD Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA.

This is a separate incident to the one reported by the USPCA last weekend which was in the Hillsborough area.

Vets from the Department went to the Co Armagh farm on Monday after reports and made the horrific discovery in buildings there.

The Minister said: “This is a dreadful case which obviously involved much suffering by a large number of animals. A full investigation will be carried out and all possible help and treatment will be offered to the surviving cattle.

“The vets found 18 dead cattle (16 cows, one bull, and one calf) in one building. The carcases were emaciated and no feed or water appeared to be available. It appears the animals died from starvation and water deprivation.

“In another house four young cattle were found dead and one animal had to be destroyed.

“More cattle were found in a field and in a poor condition, and again one of them had to be put down.

“Immediate actions have been taken to secure feed and water for the animals left alive. The situation is under investigation and no further information will be given at this stage.”

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