Cattle shot for public safety and disease prevention reasons, High Court hears

Five cattle were shot on a Carrickmacross farm in July 2016 by members of the defence forces for public safety and disease prevention purposes, the High Court heard on Wednesday. Bankruptcy trustee Chris Lehane told the court that the animals were culled as a last resort after tuberculosis was detected in the herd and cattle had been found straying on public roads. Security concerns and the difficulty of containing the animals in challenging field conditions also factored in the decision, he said. The cattle belonged to the estate of John Hoey, who was declared bankrupt in February 2016 following a petition by John Kelly Fuels Ltd for €262,000. Mr Hoey opposes an application by Mr Lehane to extend his bankruptcy by up to ten years, claiming he has cooperated with the process. Justice Teresa Pilkington reserved her decision on the extension application.