Can farmers shoot their own cattle?

[CatKisser]

I woken up this morning by a gunshot and I had a feeling it was the farmer destroying one of his cattle (the vet has been out a few times to see it.)
Sadly, this seems to have been the case as the truck has just turned up and they've got the poor thing on board.
However, I grew up on a farm and was sure my dad told me you weren't allowed to do that any more. This farmer (IMO) doesn't have the best track record with looking after his livestock and I'm just wondering whether anyone knows if destroying your own cattle was legal.

[newfavouritething]

It is legal, and to be honest, I would rather a sick animal be shot/put down sooner rather than later. If you have genuine concerns about animal welfare on the farm, it might be worth ringing your local council to report it.

[WestmorlandSausage]

Yes it is legal www.gov.uk/farm-animal-welfare-at-slaughter

What makes you feel the farmer doesn't have a good track record on animal welfare?