Live animal exports suspended at Ramsgate port
Live animal exports have been temporarily suspended at the Ramsgate port following an incident in which 45 sheep died.
The move follows an incident where staff at the Port of Ramsgate in Kent took action overnight on Wednesday (12 September) to support animal health laws when a lorry unfit for transporting live animals failed inspection on its arrival.
Two lorry drivers – both French – were arrested at Ramsgate port carrying more than 500 live sheep on four tiers in a lorry declared unfit to travel due to vehicle faults.
Despite every effort being made at the port to treat the animals humanely, 41 sheep had to be put down following advice from the RSPCA.
Two sheep had to be put down immediately and two more drowned after the floor of the holding area they were being kept in collapsed.
None of the sheep had access to an on-board water source, according to the RSPCA.
RSPCA chief executive Gavin Grant said: “We told the port authorities from the start that they did not have the facilities to handle live exports safely.
“The RSPCA had been warning that a significant welfare incident like this could lead to a tragedy for the animals and now it has.”
Clive Hart, leader of Thanet District Council, said: “The council recognises that the exports are a lawful trade, but we are also conscious of our responsibilities regarding the welfare of animals passing through our port.
“We are saddened to see animals arrive at our port in this condition and it underlines the need to implement EU regulations strictly in order to avoid any suffering caused to the animals.”
Last week, Thanet District Council’s Cabinet wrote to DEFRA calling for the facilities needed to prevent situations like this from happening.
Although this is a temporary suspension, its lifting will depend on the construction of suitable facilities within the port.
Providing the facilities will depend on the cost of building and running such a facility, and also whether it is a priority of the council in comparison with other issues.