“We can never have a repeat of ‘unacceptable’ killing of cows” – IFA
IFA demands urgent protocols after Department of Agriculture euthanising videos spark outcry
The Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) has called for the urgent development of strict protocols governing the euthanising of animals on farms, after a Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) enforcement operation last week resulted in disturbing footage circulating online.
The videos, seen by The Mayo News, include drone footage of an enforcement operation on Thursday by Department of Agriculture officials on a farm owned by Mayo man Seán Coughlan. The footage shows cows being lined up in a crush and euthanised cows being loaded onto a lorry.
The Lahardane man was before the High Court when the operation was carried out, seeking a judicial review against conditions imposed on his business by the Department of Agriculture.
As reported by The Roscommon Herald, Seán Coughlan, with an address at Lahardane, Ballina, County Mayo, and Coughlan Farming Ltd, for which Mr Coughlan is sole director, are facing a combined total of 78 charges connected to the welfare of animals on a farm at Laragan, Elphin, Co Roscommon.
The charges against him and the company for which he is director, relate to allegations from the Department of Agriculture that up to 500 calves had died on the farm between 2023 and 2025.
'Unacceptable'
The videos have sparked shock within the farming community and on Friday, a delegation led by IFA Animal Health Chair David Hall met senior Department officials with responsibility for animal welfare and investigations, following an IFA request for the meeting in the wake of the videos, which Hall described as 'unacceptable'.
Speaking after the meeting, Hall said it had become very apparent that the Department does not have clear guidance in place for officials operating on the ground. He added that it was also concerning that officials do not appear to be provided with the equipment and resources needed to carry out their functions in a professional and competent manner.
“The Department officials listened to the points we raised and we expect them to revert with a formal response this week,” Hall said.
The IFA has also written to the Chair of the Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Council seeking an urgent meeting to address the issues raised. The council is responsible for advising the Department and the Minister for Agriculture on animal welfare matters.
Hall said the details of any individual case were not discussed at Friday's meeting, stressing that the IFA's concern is with the protocols the DAFM has in place when animals must be removed from farms.
“We all understand there may be times when animals have to be euthanised by the State, but there must be strict protocols around this, and these must be developed as a matter of urgency,” he said. “We can never have a repeat of what we have seen circulating last week.”
The Department confirmed it carried out an enforcement operation on Thursday with the support and assistance of An Garda Síochána, but said it does not comment on individual cases.
Department statement
In a statement, the Department said it has lead policy responsibility for animal welfare and takes the matter 'most seriously', adding that neglect of, or causing unnecessary suffering to animals is not acceptable in Irish society. It said it is committed to ensuring animal welfare standards are applied vigorously, fairly and in an even-handed manner.
However, when The Mayo News put a series of specific questions about the operation — including whether it was carried out on traceability or welfare grounds, what equipment was used to euthanise the animals, under what legal powers the operation was conducted, how many animals were destroyed, and how many personnel were involved — the Department said it would not be providing any further comment.
The Department also pointed to its confidential animal welfare helpline, through which members of the public can report suspected incidents of cruelty or neglect for investigation. The helpline can be reached at 01 607 2379, or by email at [email protected].
The IFA said it expects a formal written response from the Department this week on the protocol concerns raised at Friday's meeting.