EIGHT cattle have been killed and four have been injured after an accident at Castlemartin Firing Range.
The incident earlier on Friday (Jul 10) took place when a herd of cows walked behind targets used for shooting practice at the range.
Parts of Castlemartin Training Area, like many MOD training areas, are leased to tenant farmers.
A witness, who did not want to be named, told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “The scene was really terrible. I saw some cows which seemed to be dead, the rest were on the floor injured and moving.
“I saw a soldier come over and shoot some of the injured cows with a rifle in the head to put them out of their misery.”
The Herald understands that The Defence Accident Investigation Branch has been informed and a Serious Incident Report is being prepared. This will form part of a lessons learned exercise.
The Ministry of Defence says that the ranges are inspected for livestock before firing commences; in this case the cattle moved into the range after this check took place.
An MOD spokesperson said told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “Much of Castlemartin Training Area is grazed by cows and sheep.
“On July 10 some cattle moved into the firing area after it was confirmed to be clear, but before firing started.
“They could not be seen by the unit training and unfortunately a number of cows were shot and killed or injured.
“Their presence was noticed by the Range Conducting Officer who immediately halted the exercise.
“The farmer has been informed and made aware of his rights.”
