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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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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

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News Shorts
NSA webinar explores sheep tailing and castration

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is to host a free webinar on the castration and tail docking of lambs.

The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.