fmd culling — fmd culling — The court has dismissed a farmer’s plea to stop the compulsory culling of livestock in Dromolaxia due to foot-and-mouth disease, emphasising that public interest outweighs individual claims.
This ruling, issued on Friday, followed a hearing where the farmer sought to prevent veterinary services from enforcing the culling order. The legal service noted that the attorney-general, George Savvides, called for an expedited hearing, citing the urgency of the situation as a critical factor.
In its decision, the court highlighted that it found no evidence of “manifest illegality” or “irreparable harm” that would warrant a suspension of the culling order. It stated that the balance of interests favoured the state and the health of the wider livestock population.
While acknowledging the likely loss of animals would be regrettable, the court upheld the veterinary order, reflecting a commitment to preventing the spread of the disease and protecting public health.
