Live transportation of animals debate
MPs are set to debate the transportation of live animals, a day after protests were again held outside the Port of Ramsgate.
About 25 people campaigned as a ferry set off from the Kent port on Wednesday, December 12. Numerous protests have taken place at the site since September, when an incident took place, in which 47 sheep died during transportation from the port.
South Thanet MP Laura Sandys is leading the debate in the House of Commons, and will present a petition to the Speaker from residents who oppose the trade.
Ms Sandys said the petition and debate was the culmination of pressure she has been putting on the government to place much greater restrictions on the live animal trade from the port.
"My aim through this debate is to highlight where I believe animal welfare standards are not being enforced effectively enough," she said.
Environment Minister David Heath announced increased welfare following September's incident, including inspections of animals being exported, zero-tolerance of unnecessary suffering, and a vet always within one hour of the port.
Meanwhile, the RSCPA has launched a fund to fight against live animal exports, after a High Court judge indicated he will consider a fresh judicial review application from the charity in the new year.
Gavin Grant, RSPCA's chief executive, said: "We are here for the animals and they deserve their case to be heard in court, to do that we need the public's help. We have a highly professional and successful legal team but going to court is not cheap. The RSPCA relies entirely on the public to fund our work and I am certain that they will dig deep and ensure the animals get their day in court."
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With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
