Log In

Reset Password
BERMUDA | RSS PODCAST

Negligence ruled out in cattle deaths

Cows grazing at Spittal Pond in Smith’s (File photograph)

No foul play is suspected after juvenile cattle were found dead this month at a farm in Smith’s.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources confirmed reports on March 9 of “deceased calves” at Spittal Pond, where cattle graze to the west end of the nature reserve.

The animals are believed to have succumbed to an additive in their feed, and the matter is no longer under investigation.

A member of the public contacted The Royal Gazette saying walkers in the area had been “horrified” at the sight of three heifers lying dead.

The Ministry of Home Affairs said: “On receipt of the report, DENR officers immediately contacted the farmer, who was already aware of the incident and was on the scene.

“The farmer revealed that his animals were previously well, and a recent change in feed additive had just occurred.

“It is believed this additive was likely the cause of the illness, and to date, there have been no further reports of a similar nature.

“There was no evidence of wilful negligence or maltreatment, and the matter was closed."

Health officials have analysed cattle deaths in previous years at the farm, such as in 2013 when two cows were found dead at Spittal Pond.

In that situation, the animals were imported and had been kept apart from the rest of the herd.

The farm adjoins Bermuda’s largest wildlife reserve, with cattle grazing in the open air as well as consuming animal feed.

You must be Registered or to post comment or to vote.

Published March 22, 2024 at 7:55 am (Updated March 22, 2024 at 7:08 am)

Negligence ruled out in cattle deaths

What you
Need to
Know
1. For a smooth experience with our commenting system we recommend that you use Internet Explorer 10 or higher, Firefox or Chrome Browsers. Additionally please clear both your browser's cache and cookies - How do I clear my cache and cookies?
2. Please respect the use of this community forum and its users.
3. Any poster that insults, threatens or verbally abuses another member, uses defamatory language, or deliberately disrupts discussions will be banned.
4. Users who violate the Terms of Service or any commenting rules will be banned.
5. Please stay on topic. "Trolling" to incite emotional responses and disrupt conversations will be deleted.
6. To understand further what is and isn't allowed and the actions we may take, please read our Terms of Service
7. To report breaches of the Terms of Service use the flag icon