RSPCA fight on against live exports
RSPCA has bid to take on a legal fight for live animal exports, by lodging a claim in the High Court.
Currently, the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) approve and supervise live animal exports through the port of Ramsgate in Thanet, Kent.
Seeking judicial review of these arrangements, the RSPCA is bringing new legal proceedings because it believes the AHVLA is acting unlawfully.
The society vowed to fight on for the animals after more than 40 sheep had to be destroyed during an incident at the port in September, and says the port has no livestock handling facilities.
Thanet District Council immediately closed the port, however, it has since reopened and live exports have resumed, despite protests from the public and animal welfare organisations.
AHVLA has also introduced changes to its inspection regime, but RSPCA believes these are unlawful in failing to provide proper checks at the port to safeguard animal welfare.
RSPCA believes the AHVLA are also failing to require the exporters to use ports with appropriate facilities and failing to impose sailing restrictions to ensure animals are not injured or caused undue harm when being transported.
Gavin Grant, RSPCA chief executive said: "The animals have no voice and no choice. We will not walk away from their suffering in this vile and unnecessary trade… The animals deserve their day in court."
The High Court will decide whether it will hear the RSPCA's case in the new year.
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