Following the closure of Ramsgate port to live animal exporters, Ipswich has taken the Kent port’s place as the centre of animal exports in the UK.

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Ramsgate was the only port from which animals from the UK were transported abroad for slaughter or fattening, however, following over a year of protest from animal rights campaigners and animal welfare organisations, live exports from the port were banned in the wake of an incident on 12th September during which 45 animals died.    

Exports resumed from the UK on Friday (21st September), with a shipment leaving Ipswich on the Latvian-registered MV Joline, the ship which serviced Ramsgate, but which anti-exports campaigners claim is unsuitable.

Animal rights groups in the region have mobilised in response to the news that shipments will now take place from Ipswich. Live exports were moved from Dover to Ramsgate in early 2011, following damage to loading equipment at Dover. Animal rights protestors at Ramsgate had campaigned against the trade, whilst welfare campaigners said equipment at Ramsgate was not fit for purpose.

RSPCA, Compassion in World Farming, and Kent Action Against Live Exports (KAALE), who all opposed shipments from Ramsgate, have said they will be monitoring the trade from Ipswich. RSPCA spokesperson David Bowles said his organisation would seek to stop live exports from Ipswich as the journey to Calais takes 15 hours, longer than the legal maximum transport time.

Mr Bowles elaborated, “The rules say livestock can be transported for 14 hours maximum and must then have a one-hour rest, which is basically to be fed and watered, and then can travel another 14 hours. But that one hour rest must be still so they can have food and water – you cannot include time on the boat.”

In a similar state of affairs to Ramsgate, local MPs in Ipswich have expressed personal distaste at the development, but stressed live exports are legal and will go ahead unless exports from the port are found to breach welfare laws.

AHVLA, whose animal health personnel were present at Ramsgate during the incident on 12th September, said prosecutions could follow the fiasco. Will Creswell, South East Regional Operations Director for the AHVLA, said “AHVLA takes its responsibilities for animal welfare during transport extremely seriously. Live animal transporters must comply with welfare regulations and vehicles must be fit for purpose. We will refer all serious welfare infringements to Trading Standards for enforcement action, which could lead to prosecution.”

Two French lorry drivers were arrested at the scene for breaches of welfare legislation.

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