RSPCA delighted with decision

The owners of Ipswich Port, Associated British Ports (ABP), have suspended the live transport of farmed animals to Europe until further notice.

The RSPCA have spoken of their delight at the decision, which they say follows confirmation from ABP that the port does not have suitable facilities for the handling of animals should an emergency occur.

The decision comes after an incident at the port of Ramsgate, Kent, last month, where two sheep drowned, two suffered broken legs and a further 42 had to be shot on the advice of a vet because of their lameness.

The incident happened when 500 sheep had to be unloaded from a truck in the port. The local authority suspended the port's trade, which had since moved to Ipswich.

RSPCA Chief Executive, Gavin Grant, said: "ABP have acknowledged to the RSPCA that, like Ramsgate, their port did not have suitable facilities to help the animals should an emergency arise.

"Sadly, we saw the unacceptable suffering in Ramsgate in just such an emergency."

The RSPCA and Compassion in World Farming continue to campaign against the trade in live animals, whilst the National Farmers Union make efforts to re-open Ramsgate.