Dover; Public Meeting Over Live Animal Exports

6 June 2013, 16:11 | Updated: 6 June 2013, 17:05

Kent residents and campaign supporters are being invited to join a public meeting to oppose the long distance transport of live animals.

This statement was issued by the RSPCA

Hear our interview with Dover and Deal MP, Charlie Elphicke.

As the export of sheep and calves resumes from the Port of Dover, a move which could see an increase in the number of animals being transported to the continent, leading animal welfare organisations are stepping up their campaign to end this trade once and for all.
 
RSPCA Chief Executive, Gavin Grant  said: "This trade is completely unacceptable and Dover does not have facilities at or near the port to deal with emergencies. Animals are being placed at risk and we will not let up in our campaign to end this vile trade."
 
Dil Peeling, Compassion in World Farming's Director of Public Affairs, said: "All that this trade offers to UK farmers is bad press and damaged reputations. We want to work with the food and farming industry and we're calling for UK farmers to stand here with us, demanding an end to live animal exports.
 
"The numbers of animals involved in live exports from the UK used to be in the millions. It is currently in the tens of thousands. We need to end this cruel trade altogether."
 
Ian Birchall, chair of Kent Action Against Animal Live Exports (KAALE) said: "My wife and I along with supporters of KAALE have campaigned for many years against live exports and although our efforts have resulted in a significant reduction in the number of animals being transported, we are still witnessing the animals experiencing fear, stress and, as was seen at Ramsgate, sometimes pain. We will never rest until this trade is replaced by a carcass only trade."
 
Compassion in World Farming, the RSPCA and KAALE who are hosting the meeting, will also be joined by Dover and Deal MP Charlie Elphicke and South East MEP Keith Taylor. The meeting at Dover Town Hall will be chaired by Richard Llewellin, Chairman of Anglican Society for the Welfare of Animals (ASWA).