The owners of Ipswich Port have suspended exports of live animals less than a week after the UK’s exporters began using the port.

Following the closure of Ramsgate Port in Kent, which had been the only port from which live exports left the UK, exporters began using Ipswich on Friday 21st September. However, on Friday (28th September) Ipswich Port’s owners Associated British Ports announced that it would be suspending live exports “until further notice.”

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The Associated British Ports group acknowledged that the port does not have suitable facilities for the handling of animals. Protesters against the live export trade had argued that facilities at Ramsgate port were inadequate. Exports were suspended from the port following an incident on 12th September during which 46 animals died.     

Animal Welfare groups RSPCA and Compassion in World Farming both publicly opposed the trade, along with local groups and animal rights groups which had previously protested in Kent. However, the NFU expressed support for the practice and has made efforts to see exports resume from Ramsgate.

Local MPs explained that live exports from the port are legal so long as welfare legislation is observed, although Ipswich MP Ben Gummer said “On a personal level I am not entirely comfortable with the trade” and MPs and Councillors in Kent had actively protested against the trade from Ramsgate.

However, RSPCA had claimed that the journey by sea from Ipswich to Calais, at 15 hours, is longer than the maximum legal transport time without rest for animals under EU law. Gavin Grant, the RSPCA’s chief executive said the charity was “delighted” by Associated British Ports’ decision.

Mr Grant continued, “ABP are taking their responsibilities seriously to the animals. They have acknowledged that, like Ramsgate, their port did not have suitable facilities to help the animals should an emergency arise. Sadly, we saw the unacceptable suffering in Ramsgate in just such an emergency.

“I am aware that the National Farmers Union is making efforts to re-open Ramsgate. I say to them that they should respect the views of the people of Ramsgate, Ipswich and this country that there is no place in a civilised and compassionate society for this vile trade that causes so much suffering to animals.”

Investigation into Ramsgate ‘fiasco’

Meanwhile, industry commentators have questioned RSPCA and Animal Health officials’ handling of the events at Ramsgate on 12th September, which led to the port suspension of live exports from the port. RSPCA has defended its actions during the debacle in which two sheep drowned, stating that it had previously submitted evidence to the port and local council showing Ramsgate was ill-equipped to deal with animals and pointing out that RSPCA officers saved a further four sheep from drowning during the ‘fiasco’.

AHVLA said it is investigating the incident in conjunction with Kent trading Standards and will comment on its conclusions when the review is complete. An AHVLA statement is expected in mid-October.

Two French lorry drivers were arrested at Ramsgate following the incident for breaches of animal welfare legislation. AHVLA said prosecutions could ensue.

Following the events, Will Creswell, South East Regional Operations Director for the AHVLA, commented, “AHVLA takes its responsibilities for animal welfare during transport extremely seriously. We will refer all serious welfare infringements to Trading Standards for enforcement action, which could lead to prosecution.

“AHVLA animal health officers were present at every sailing from Ramsgate involving the export of live animals. Where breaches in the legislation are identified, AHVLA can take regulatory action to ensure compliance and protect the welfare of the animals involved.”

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