Other News In Brief

'Wooferendum' Campaign To Raise Awareness Over Brexit Impact On Pet Travel

The 'Wooferendum' campaign is to be brought to Belfast City Council, which aims to draw attention to the impact on pet travel Brexit will have.

Alliance South Belfast Councillor Emmet McDonough-Brown has said this is a real concern for all dog owners who are used to taking their family pet abroad throughout the year.

He said: "The event at City Hall will take place on Sunday, October 07, and will be part of a national campaign aimed at highlighting this issue, something that will affect many dog owners across Northern Ireland.

"For many of us our dogs mean companionship and friendship. This was what drove my desire to integrate our furry friends into everyday life in Belfast by making the city more dog friendly. Lots of us also like to take our pets abroad with us on family holidays. And yes, I'm including myself in this category. Every year I head to Europe via car and Seb would never be left behind. Up until now he's been able to travel on his pet passport, but we don't know whether this will be possible post Brexit.

"I'd like to encourage all those who are worried about this issue to bring their pet and join me at city hall so our voices and barks can be heard."

Father And Son Convicted Over 10 Counts Of TB Fraud And Animal Welfare

A County Tyrone father and son have been convicted on a total of ten charges connected to TB fraud, animal welfare and cattle identification.

Mark Girvan (47) from Limehill Road, Pomeroy was convicted at Dungannon Magistrates' Court of one charge of dishonestly making a false representation at a TB test in respect of 14 reactor cattle, two charges of trying to affect the results of a TB test, one charge of causing unnecessary suffering to 14 cattle, one charge of failing to present animals for TB testing, two charges of failing to notify the department of the births of bovine animals.

He received a 12 months custodial sentence suspended for two years and was fined £200 plus £15 Offenders levy. He was also disqualified from keeping all animals except a family pet for a period of 10 years.

His son Anthony Girvan, also of Limehill Road, Pomeroy was convicted at the same court of one charge of failing to present animals for TB testing and two charges of failing to notify the department of the births of bovine animals. He was fined £450 plus £15 Offenders levy.

This case arose from discrepancies found during a tuberculosis test and a follow up investigation carried out by officers from DAERA’s Welfare and Enforcement Branch.

Armed Response Officers Deployed To Incident In West Belfast

PSNI Armed Response Officers were deployed to an incident in west Belfast on Monday, 01 October.

According to reports, the officers responded to an incident at a block of flats on the Springfield Road, after a man was allegedly assaulted by another man using a "baton".

A 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon.

Police have issued an appeal for information.

(MH/CM)