Welfare group demands access to UK live export port
Inspectors from the RSPCA have been refused access to Dover since the live export trade moved there from Ramsgate in May. The charity said it was extremely concerned about the welfare of animals held at the port, particularly given the soaring temperatures in the UK.
The RSPCA added that it had written to Dover Harbour Board requesting access and more than 11,600 people had signed a petition urging the Board to allow RSPCA inspectors access, but the port was so far refusing to co-operate with its demands.
RSPCA chief inspector said: “With sweltering summer temperatures it has never been more important for our inspectors to be allowed in to check on animals.
“Multi-storey transporter lorries can carry hundreds of animals, including two-week-old calves who are particularly vulnerable to suffering in the heat. Body heat from these animals coupled with scorching weather and long journeys can be a lethal combination.
“We have discovered lorries attempting to travel without proper ventilation and without drinking water – which in this weather could be deadly.”
The RSPCA claimed that animal welfare is regularly abused during live export, pointing out that just 25 sailings from Ramsgate and Ipswich resulted in 34 warning notices being issued by RSPCA and government officials.
It called on its supporters to sign the petition and join a “peaceful demonstration” at Dover, which has been organised with campaign group Kent Against Live Export and is due to take place on 3 August at the Eastern Dock roundabout.
Ongoing row
The UK’s live export trade moved to Dover from Ramsgate last year after a dramatic incident in September led to the death of 47 sheep.
The incident arose when a lorry loaded with 540 sheep was declared unfit for travel and the animals were unloaded to wait for another lorry. An area used to store the sheep at the port collapsed. Three sheep fell into the sea and drowned.
The RSPCA inspectors on the scene made the decision to humanely destroy another 44 sheep, attracting criticism from the National Farmers Union (NFU), which claimed that the slaughter of the sheep was unnecessary.
Following the incident, exports from the port were suspended and an investigation was ordered by UK minister of agriculture, David Heath MP. The live export trade moved temporarily to Ipswich port, but the port authorities suspended exports due to concerns that Ipswich did not have suitable facilities to handle animals in the event of an emergency, and the trade moved to Dover.
