Cattle from Wolverhampton city farm popular with families sent to slaughter over 'health and safety' threat

The seven large horned cattle have been a popular attraction with families at Northycote Farm in Bushbury since the 1990s.

But Wolverhampton council said 'inadequate fencing' meant the animals had a history of escaping, presenting 'an unacceptable risk' to families with young children.

In recent weeks they have been moved from the large field they occupied at the Underhill Lane site and sold for slaughter at a livestock auction.

The move, which came after a review by the site's new boss, events manager Mark Blackstock, has sparked fury among residents and visitors to the attraction. The field has now been earmarked for 'entertainment events', such as car shows.

Wolverhampton council's city economy boss, Councillor John Reynolds, a dedicated vegan, said he understood the situation was 'an emotive issue'.

"The review revealed there is a history of large horned cattle escaping from their field due to inadequate fencing for a working farm," he added.

"Clearly this presented an unacceptable risk to public safety at a visitor attraction used by families with young children.

"Erecting appropriate fencing would have cost tens of thousands of pounds at a time when the council is having to make enormous savings.

"It was therefore decided that Northycote was no longer a suitable home for these animals and due to the risk posed to the public our only option was to sell the seven cattle, which we did via a reputable, local livestock auction.

"Regrettably, the auctioneers have confirmed the cattle were purchased for slaughter.

"We appreciate visitors will miss seeing the cows but hope they understand that we have an obligation to keep people safe."

Many visitors to the farm took to Facebook to air their anger at the decision to send the beasts to their death.

Joanne Hall wrote: "My autistic four year old had a meltdown because the cows were gone. He would spend hours just watching them. Thank you Mr Blackstock for 3 hours of hell."

Jane Matthews said the move was 'a disgrace', while John Candy Lacey wrote: "Why slaughter harmless cows? They have been there since I was a kid....Instead of sending them to slaughter why didn't they move them to another field?"

Sue Biddle accused the council of failing to consider the community and said the decision to slaughter the animals was 'a load of bull'. Bri Aston questioned why the cows could not have been sold to another farm.

Geri Amanda Coates wrote: "I'm sure if the council had asked the community to raise funds for fencing the money would of been found , yet again we are kept in the dark."

Councillor Daniel Warren, who represents Bushbury North on Wolverhampton council, urged the authority to make a public commitment to the animal stock at the farm.

"There is some justification for getting rid of the cows," he said. "I understand that some visitors will be upset over what has happened, but the fact is that under the events team the farm has an opportunity to really grow.

"It can be a more profitable and all round better facility. The field can now be used for events such as car shows that will help to make the farm self-sufficient and fulfil its untapped potential.

"There is also a lot more we could do in terms of the range of animals on offer there. A little petting zoo with guinea pigs is one idea I would like to see explored."

A notice put up on a tree next to the field said: "In memory of perfect pedigree harmless cattle. Reared on this farm over 20 years. Sent to slaughter by your council in the form of M Blackstock (Entertainments Officer)."

The notice was adorned with photographs of the cows. Mr Blackstock declined to comment when approached by the Express & Star.

The farm is currently undergoing an overhaul, with recent developments seeing a rabbit enclosure built and chickens adopted from Weston Park, while a partnership with City of Wolverhampton College will see a goat enclosure built.