Council backs down over exports at Ramsgate port

Thanet District Council has lifted its ban on live animal exports at Ramsgate port, Kent, after receiving legal advice.

The ban was put in place in September, after 47 sheep died at the port. The incident happened when 500 sheep were unloaded from their lorry by the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) and RSPCA inspectors, because of the poor conditions in which they were travelling.

A number of the sheep were shot on the advice of a vet, because of their lameness, and further sheep were either injured or drowned.

As a result of the incident, Thanet District Council banned all live animal exports through the port - a decision which was overturned by the High Court until the outcome of a judicial review.

On Thursday (November 29), the council said it was officially lifting its ban on live animal transportation with immediate effect.

Thanet Councillor Michelle Fenner said: "Our position has always been to work within the legal framework to ensure the welfare of animals.

"The decision to impose the temporary ban at the port was not taken lightly, following the horrific incidents in September, and we still consider the action to have been correct. In terms of now having to lift the ban, our hand has again been forced as we are duty bound to act in accordance with the law."

Thanet District Council also asked the operators of the ship, Joline, which was used to transport live animals from Ramsgate, to drop its legal proceedings.

"As we've done everything in our power to get to this point, it is disappointing," added Cllr Fenner. "However, we have worked extremely hard in recent months and will continue to push the agencies involved in whatever legal way we can to ensure that the welfare of animals is protected."