More than 50 cattle were culled after a court order was granted over what the Minister described as "serious animal welfare concerns". He said the operation had been carefully planned in advance because of the remote location and the potential difficulties involved. A senior official attended the scene to support the operational team, at which time the Police were asked for assistance, but due to operational difficulties they were unable to respond." Mr. Muir did not elaborate on the nature of the operational difficulties which prevented police from attending. Despite the disruption, the Minister said no specific health and safety incidents or injuries were reported to officials during the operation.