RSPCA has lost its legal challenge to live exports from Ramsgate Port. The charity maintains that the trade is inhumane and that both the port and single ship used for live exports to mainland Europe are ill equipped to deal with the needs of animals passing through.

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However, the export industry, backed by the NFU maintains that live animal exports are legal, and that the there is nothing wrong with the trade, so long as animal welfare regulations are observed. Nevertheless, local MPs and councillors, alongside animal rights and welfare groups have expressed their distaste for the trade.

The RSPCA launched its legal challenge in the wake of an ordeal at the port in September last year, in which 47 sheep were killed or drowned. Arrests were made during the incident and two men from France stood trial in connection with the events earlier this month.

On Thursday (21st March), a second high court judge elected not to pursue a judicial review into the regulation of the trade, following a hearing in London. The oral hearing was arranged after Mr Justice Males refused permission for a judicial review in February. The hearing was initially set for March, but was brought forward at short notice earlier this month.

Commenting on Thursday's hearing, RSPCA Chief Legal Officer Ray Goodfellow said, "We are very disappointed by today's decision. We believe we have a strong case - the Port of Ramsgate is inadequate for the safe and humane handling of live animal exports because there are no facilities at or very near the port enabling the immediate unloading of animals in the event of a welfare emergency.

"The inspections being carried out at the port have been cursory and the Joline, a converted flat-bottomed, open deck former tank transporter has been permitted to sail with sheep on board in atrocious weather in up to force 5 gales and worse. The RSPCA will reflect very carefully on what the judge has said today and then consider whether to seek permission to appeal in the court of appeal."

Following an inquest into the events in September, government animal health body AHVLA announced a series of reforms, intended to improve animal welfare and tighten regulations at the port. http://www.farming.co.uk/news/article/8050

Last week it was revealed that Barco de Vapor, operator of the MV Joline, the sole ship furnishing the UK live export trade, had applied to move its operations to Dover port where it was based prior to the shift to Ramsgate in 2011, which was due to technical problems at Dover.