RSPCA will make an oral appeal for its legal challenge on live animal exports from Ramsgate Port in May.

Although a previous attempt at a legal challenge was rejected earlier this month, RSPCA succeeded in appealing against the decision and the case will now be heard at the Royal Courts of Justice in London on 10th May.

The charity claims government agency AHVLA is breaking the law by allowing live exports to be carried out from Ramsgate Port, which has been deemed unsuitable for the purpose and on the MV Jolie, the only ship servicing the UK trade. If RSPCA is successful, the case could result in a judicial review.  

Live Exports from the port were banned last September after an incident in which over 40 sheep died, however, following a brief change of locale, exports from Ramsgate resumed in November when Thanet District Council lifted its temporary ban, much to the chagrin of local councillors, MPs and animal welfare campaigners, who have expressed distaste for the trade.