Cruel Ramsgate live exports to continue

Published 21/03/2013

A hugely disappointing UK court decision has ruled out a Judicial Review of live exports from Ramsgate, Kent, meaning that live animal exports from the port can continue.

Opposing the unnecessary suffering caused by live animal transportation, Compassion in World Farming backed the RSPCA's bid for a judicial review of livestock exports from Ramsgate in December last year.

For many months, Ramsgate was the only port in Britain used for live exports to the continent, with more than 75,000 animals being transported live through there in 2011.

Mounting evidence that the port was not suitable for live exports was confirmed by the death of more than 40 sheep on 12th September last year, after they had to be destroyed at the port, with some drowning after falling through a drain cover in a temporary penning area.

Commenting on today's announcement, Philip Lymbery, CEO of Compassion in World Farming, says:

"This decision means that we will not get a comprehensive legal view on the suitability of Ramsgate as a port for live exports, which is hugely disappointing, as it could have meant the end of live exports from the port.

"Compassion in World Farming has been campaigning against live exports from Ramsgate since they returned to the port in May 2011. The port is not equipped to handle animal exports, and the vessel currently being used - the MV Joline - is a converted tank carrier, not suitable for animal transport."

A trade with no place in modern Britain

Animals remain in lorries whilst being transported on the open deck of the MV Joline, exposed to the elements. This can be in addition to a long lorry trip by road, adding to the animals' distress.

Philip adds: "Compassion in World Farming is amazed such shoddy arrangements continue to be used. While Ramsgate port is not fit to take live animal exports, the trade itself has no place in modern Britain and Compassion will continue to campaign against long distance animal transport across the EU and for the trade to be replaced by one in frozen meat."