RSPCA denied access to port
An application to the Port of Dover asking permission for the RSPCA to check welfare conditions for sailing sheep has received no response.
On Thursday, May 2, Joline sailed from the port loaded with lorries of sheep. It headed to France "and then possibly further afield", according to the charity.
RSPCA inspectors hoped to be at the Kent port that morning, to check the welfare of the animals before the ship set sail.
Similar inspections had been carried out at the Port of Ramsgate, also in Kent, during 2012 – the same year an incident occurred involving the deaths of more than 50 sheep.
The RSPCA said these inspections "regularly highlighted health problems with the animals".
"The location has changed but the issues remain the same," explained the RSPCA's chief executive, Gavin Grant. "Like Ramsgate, Dover does not have facilities at or near the port to deal with these emergencies."
Mr Grant commented that the number of sheep leaving from Dover is likely to be much higher, but its facilities are no more suitable. While this is happening, he said, animals are being placed at risk.
"This trade is completely unacceptable, as is the use of an old tank transporter to ship animals across the Channel in rough weather and the apparent failure to thoroughly inspect animals at the port."
He added: "We are seeking an urgent assurance from the Dover port authorities that RSPCA inspectors can be present at future sailings."
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.
