Farm sorry for 'unprecedented' cattle cull

A farm has said it is "sincerely sorry" after "failures in management" led to them deciding to cull 271 healthy animals.

It emerged that Home Farm, which is based at Falkirk Estate in Fife, had failed to register their Aberdeen Angus and Belted Galloway cattle as required by the Scottish government under disease prevention rules.

That meant the herd was unable to enter the food change and the business said it had "taken the difficult decision to slaughter the animals".

Ninian Stuart, Chair of Falkland Rural Enterprises Ltd, said: "This is an unprecedented and deeply distressing situation for everyone connected with Home Farm, Falkland Estate, and the wider local community."

He added that the situation was "far more serious issue than anyone initially anticipated."

"What began as concerns identified during a routine veterinary inspection developed into a far more serious issue than anyone initially anticipated," he said.

"As the scale of the problem became clear, we took the decision to involve the Scottish government and work openly and transparently with the relevant authorities to establish the facts and determine the appropriate course of action.

"The estate team has worked tirelessly alongside government officials, veterinary advisers and external specialists throughout this investigation.

"While the findings are deeply regrettable, investigating and addressing the matter fully was essential."

He went on to say that they "fully accept responsibility for the failures in management and oversight that have led us to this point".

"The standards expected of our business were not met, and for that I am sincerely sorry," he said.

He added that the business was "devastated" and that the "loss of livestock on this scale is something none of us ever wanted to see"

"We recognise the profound impact it has had on our staff, our neighbours and the wider community that has long supported the estate," he said.

Stuart added their priority was to ensure the "highest standards" of animal welfare and support their staff.

A Scottish government spokesperson said: "Identification and traceability regulations for livestock must be adhered with for disease prevention, control, eradication and the protection of public health."

A spokesperson for the National Farmers' Union (NFU) Scotland, said it was a "deeply sad situation" but they could not comment further on an "ongoing regulatory matter" that relates to the alleged actions of an individual business.

"More generally, livestock identification and traceability systems are fundamental to Scotland's livestock sector. They play a vital role in animal health and welfare, and disease prevention and control," they added.

"Scottish farmers and crofters understand the importance of these requirements and the vast majority work hard to comply with them.

"Scotland's traceability system is internationally recognised and is an important part of protecting the livestock."