A farmers’ union has called on Northern Ireland’s Minister for Agriculture Andrew Muir to resign amid continuing controversy over the shooting of 51 cows in Co Tyrone.

The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) made the call following an emergency meeting that concluded members “do not have confidence” in the independence of a review into the cattle cull set up by the Minister.

A spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) said its door “remains open” for engagement with the union.

The department’s humane slaughter team carried out the cull of 51 cattle on land near Fivemiletown in June, following a court order that disqualified the herd owner from keeping animals.

Concerns have been raised by some political representatives and farmers about the public nature of the incident and questions have been posed about whether all options were exhausted before the cows were shot.

Hundreds of farmers protested outside Stormont on Monday as Muir answered questions about the incident at his scrutiny committee.

At the meeting, Muir revealed he had received a death threat since the incident.

He has insisted there was “no reasonable alternative” but to comply with the court order by culling the animals on the site.

Muir announced this week that Martin Blake, former chief veterinary officer for Ireland, had been appointed to carry out an independent review into the cull.

Last year, the UFU had passed a vote of no confidence in the department over its handling of a number of issues.

Following its emergency meeting, it has extended the motion to include Muir, Daera permanent secretary Katrina Godfrey and chief veterinary officer Brian Dooher, calling for their immediate resignations.

A statement said: “The decision was reached during an emergency meeting of the UFU executive, having considered the information currently available.

“The UFU has concluded that it does not have the confidence in the independence of the review as presently constituted, including the scope of the terms of reference and appointment of a single person to conduct it.

“The UFU has consistently maintained that an investigation into an incident of this seriousness must be demonstrably independent, robust and capable of commanding the confidence of farm families and the wider public.”

Union president John McLenaghan said: “This is not a decision the UFU has taken lightly.

“However, confidence has been severely damaged and the most recent event is just one of many instances where farmers feel that the department has lost touch with farmers.”

McLenaghan said: “The UFU’s position is clear. We no longer have confidence that the department can deliver.

“The UFU will continue to press for an independent, transparent, and public review of the Fivemiletown operation.”

A Daera spokesperson said: “The Minister and the department are aware of the decision taken by the Ulster Farmers’ Union.

“An external independent review is already under way to review the action taken by department officials in response to the deprivation order in Fivemiletown.” – PA