Mr Muir said officials considered a range of options over a three-week period before concluding that euthanasia was the only viable course of action. He told MLAs that 50 cattle were dispatched on June 29 by the DAERA Humane Slaughter Team, with a further animal euthanised the following morning. Responding to criticism of the operation, Mr Muir rejected claims that cattle had been chased around fields by DAERA staff or shot multiple times. DUP MLA Deborah Erskine said that while the statement provided additional detail, “it is clear that significant questions remain”. Mrs Erskine said she had written to the Minister on June 30 and again on July 17 seeking clarity.