16th July 2026
The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) is deeply concerned by videos circulating online which are reported to show an operation conducted by officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine at a farm in Co. Roscommon.
While the full circumstances surrounding the operation remain to be established, the footage raises serious animal welfare concerns that warrant urgent examination.
Regardless of the reason for an animal’s killing, Irish law requires that animals be spared any avoidable pain, distress or suffering, including by ensuring they are not unnecessarily exposed to the killing of other animals.
The NSPCA is calling on the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to ensure that a robust and thorough investigation into the events depicted in the videos is carried out. Such an investigation should establish the facts, determine whether all relevant legal requirements and animal welfare standards were complied with, and identify any lessons that may help prevent a recurrence.
Conor Dowling, Director of Advocacy and Policy at the NSPCA, said:
“The footage circulating online is deeply concerning and has understandably caused significant unease. While it is important that the full facts are established, any operation involving the killing of animals must be carried out in strict compliance with animal welfare legislation and in a manner that minimises fear, distress and suffering.
We are therefore calling on the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to ensure that a robust, transparent and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident. If any failings are identified, they must be addressed without delay to ensure they are not repeated.”
