16 complaints were made to the Animal Welfare Hotline operated by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) following the online publication of a video showing cattle being euthanised on farms in Roscommon and Clare.

DAFM confirmed to Agriland that it received 16 complaints to the hotline between July 9, 2026 and July 24, 2026.

It explained that all reports of alleged neglect or cruelty, received by the department, are investigated and appropriate action is taken.

The complaints followed the posting of videos to social media, which were widely distributed and viewed, allegedly displaying cattle being killed on farm, in respect of an animal welfare case, in a manner that was considered by many people to be less than ideal.

At the time, DAFM confirmed that an enforcement operation was carried out in relation to animal welfare "with support and assistance from An Garda Síochána".

The footage shows, in some instances, cattle allegedly being penned into small tight spaces and being killed in front of other animals in extremely close proximity.

Other footage, believed to be captured by a drone, allegedly shows carcasses in the same penned area of a yard as living animals moving around.

Many farm representatives subsequently criticised the actions taken during the enforcement operation and have called for meetings in relation to the protocols rolled out during such operations.

Animal welfare

In response to queries from Agriland, a spokesperson for DAFM said: "The department has lead policy responsibility within government for animal welfare and takes this matter most seriously.

"Neglect of or causing unnecessary suffering to animals is not acceptable in our society.

"These operations are carried out in accordance with established department processes and where appropriate with the support and assistance of An Garda Síochána."

DAFM has said that it does not comment on any individual cases or operation specifics.

However a spokesperson stated: "Every herdowner has obligations and responsibilities under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 and must ensure that the animals in their possession or under their control are kept and treated in a manner that safeguards and does not threaten their health and welfare.

"This includes that animals are routinely inspected, that animals in need of care receive care as soon as possible, that animals are not subjected to unnecessary pain and suffering and that animals are provided with sufficient quantities of food and water to meet their needs.

"In general, the removal of animals from their establishment of origin is undertaken as a last resort and the department’s preference is to proactively engage with herd owners to try and resolve welfare related non-compliance matters in a voluntary manner or failing that, through the issuing of legal notices or formal direction under the department’s authorised officer powers."

In most instances where it is necessary to remove animals to safeguard their health and welfare, the animals can be safely loaded on site and removed.

However DAFM has acknowledged that there are some instances where this is not possible such as if the animals are unfit for transport.

"A veterinary assessment is carried out to determine each individual animal's fitness to transport," the spokesperson stated.

"Animals which are severely welfare compromised and deemed to be unfit for transport are humanely euthanised on-site in line with the provisions of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013."

When asked if the secretary general and chief veterinary officer were satisfied by the protocols implemented in such circumstances by staff, the department confirmed that its senior management are satisfied that these processes are "appropriate".

The department operates a confidential animal welfare helpline through which members of the public can report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect for investigation.              

The dedicated helpline phone number for reporting concerns is: 01 607 2379.