SINN Féin MEP Martina Anderson has said Brexit will severely limit the mobility of visually impaired people.
She was speaking after meeting with guide dog users and advocates.
Said Martina Anderson: “Guide dog and assistance dog users are extremely worried about the impact of Brexit.
“Dragging the North out of the EU will mean guide dogs will be prevented from crossing the border from Strabane to Lifford, Derry to Donegal or Newry to Dundalk until they undertake invasive mandatory blood and tapeworm checks.
“Not only will this have a detrimental impact on the lives of blind and partially sighted persons as well as the welfare of guide dogs, it also puts significant financial strains on their owners.
“Many owners may not want to submit their dogs to these checks meaning that their right to move freely across the Island of Ireland will be eroded.
“This is totally against the spirit of the UN Charter for the Rights of People with Disabilities.
“I will continue to work with all sectors to defend the rights of the most vulnerable in our society.”
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