The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and the PSNI have warned drivers transporting livestock to be vigilant and be certain of the identification of anyone asking to inspect their vehicles.

The warning comes after a recent incident where a vehicle transporting livestock was stopped on a motorway by persons purporting to be DAERA inspectors.

DAERA veterinary enforcement officer Danny Gray warned livestock transporters that such inspections are only carried out officially by inspectors in exceptional circumstances.

“While DAERA does carry out roadside checks on livestock transport on a regular basis, this is only ever done in conjunction with PSNI, and only in very exceptional circumstances would it be necessary on a motorway,” he said.

Seek identification

Gray also urged livestock transporters to seek clarity on the person’s identity if pulled over.

“Our inspectors always carry official identification cards. If in any doubt, livestock transporter drivers should therefore ask to see the identification of anyone who attempts to stop or inspect their vehicle,” he continued.

The PSNI has advised livestock transporters to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

“Where a driver suspects a bogus inspector incident we would encourage them to note the registration number of any vehicle they are using and report this to the police service on 101,” a PSNI spokesman said.

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