The RSPCA has successfully brought forward the date of its judicial hearing challenging the legality of live animal exports from Ramsgate Port.

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After an initial attempt at a legal challenge was rejected, RSPCA appealed and secured a hearing slated for 10th May late last month. However, the charity revealed today that its oral hearing has been brought forward to 20th March.

RSPCA and the Thanet Council have said facilities at Ramsgate are unsuitable and do not provide for animals' needs, but, apart from a brief suspension in the wake of an incident in which 47 sheep died or were killed last September, the port remains the only facility to support the live export trade in England.

News that the RSPCA hearing has been brought forward follows the publication last week of a report into the incident in September by government animal health agency AHVLA. In its report, the agency pledged to inspect every transporter passing through the port for breaches to welfare regulation, enforce existing regulations more rigorously and ensure an AHVLA vet is always within an hour of the port to assist inspectors.

Farming industry groups including the NFU have declared their support for the trade, which they claim is legal and legitimate, however, Ramsgate's local councillors and MPs have made their disapproval clear.

An RSPCA spokesperson told Farming Online on Tuesday that, "It is good news that the hearing to decide whether the RSPCA can bring this judicial review will take place next week, rather than in May as [was] originally scheduled. We hope the court will give us permission to bring this case, in view of the important animal welfare issues involved."