Renewed live export appeal
The RSPCA has renewed its call to end the exportation of live animals after more than 1,200 sheep sailed during freezing temperatures and strong gales on a ship with open sides.
It was reported that four trailers of sheep were loaded onto the MV Joline at the Port of Ramsgate, which set sail – despite a force five to seven gale warning – on the morning of January 18, 2013.
The sheep were checked over by animal health officers during both one minute and three minute inspections. RCPCA inspectors also attended the port as the sheep were loaded onto the ship in sub-zero temperatures.
"The conditions were freezing – it was bitterly cold and we have to remember that this ship has open sides so these animals will be exposed to the elements during the crossing," said Steve Dockery, the RSPCA's chief inspector.
Live export debates have been ongoing, particularly after an incident took place at the port in September, in which almost 50 sheep died. The RSPCA has since requested a judicial review into the trade and has created an online petition to Defra, which currently has more than 30,000 signatures.
Meanwhile, animal welfare protests have taken place outside the port, which Kent Police report have cost them more than £400,000 over the last 18 months.
The charity says it would like animals to instead be slaughtered humanely, as close to their farm of origin as possible, under CCTV monitoring.
In the meantime, the RSPCA is asking the hauliers and shipment industry to cover the costs of their regulatory inspections at the port, rather than the taxpayer.
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
