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Say “yes” to assistance dogs
Under section 37 of the Disability Discrimination Act, it is an offence for a taxi driver to refuse to carry an assistance dog.
Government issues reminder to taxi drivers

Taxi drivers are being reminded of their legal requirement to carry guide dogs when required by passengers with disabilities.

The reminder has been issued by the Department for Infrastructure (DFI), who are working closely with Guide Dogs to ensure that people who use assistance dogs are fully aware of their rights.

Under section 37 of the Disability Discrimination Act, it is an offence for a taxi driver to refuse to carry an assistance dog. It is also illegal for taxi drivers to make charges for doing so, unless they display an exemption certificate.

If a taxi driver has a genuine medical reason for not being able to carry an assistance dog, they must apply to the DFI for an exemption certificate and display it in the taxi.

Failure to adhere to these conditions could result in a fine of up to £1000. 

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.