A trio of cows on death row in Angus have been granted an 11th-hour reprieve.
The G&A Pattullo farm at Lintrathen, near Kirriemuir, is at the centre of an active legal case over its cattle stock.
Despite owner George Pattullo denying charges brought against him regarding the treatment of his cattle, the majority were removed for sale on Sunday.
Three prime-quality livestock could not be sold due to a lack of registration papers needed for general sale and were marked for destruction.
Mr Pattullo, who lives at Middle Coul Farm, said an owner had been found for the trio, adding: “I am involved in negotiations over their future.”
The council’s environmental health department had engaged Douglasbrae Knackery to shoot the animals at Mr Pattullo’s farm, then remove them to be rendered at a factory but he said he has an undertaking from a woman upset at the prospect of the cows dying unnecessarily.
“She is very upset that these animals have to die and the environmental health haven’t got in touch to allow different ways to take care of them,” Mr Pattullo added.
A council spokesman said: “We were very surprised to see Mr Pattullo’s comments as we have had regular communication with him and his representatives over a number of months about significant animal welfare matters on his farm.
“With regard to the three animals Mr Pattullo expressed concern about, they cannot be transferred to another farm as Mr Pattullo did not have cattle passports for them as the law requires.
“The council’s animal welfare officer spent considerable time and effort in trying to find an alternative solution but regrettably none could be found.
“The council, therefore, notified Mr Pattullo’s solicitors early last week with details of when the three animals would be destroyed, this was acknowledged, and no objection was raised.
“Upon being made aware today (Monday) of the apparent interest of a third party to care for these animals, the council cancelled the arrangements to have the animals destroyed.
“The individual concerned has now been contacted and discussions continue, however it is anticipated that the absence of the required cattle passports will continue to prevent their transfer to another owner.”
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