Some 160 protesters joined a demonstration in Ramsgate against live animal exports yesterday (November 8).
Members of Kent Action Against Live Exports and other groups gathered at the Royal Harbour Approach roundabout to protest as a lorry arrived at Ramsgate Port carrying calves bound for Calais aboard the vessel Jolene.
The Irish registered lorry of calves arrived at the port at around 6:45pm.
Demonstrator Vanessa Green said: “The driver had his face covered. The calves were eager to reach the viewing hatched in the lorry, to suckle on the fingers of the protesters, and to drink from water bottles.”
Compassion in World Farming says the unweaned Scottish calves are now coming through Ramsgate after P&O Ferries stopped taking the shipments.
A statement from the group says: “This new calf export route demonstrates the urgent need for a UK-wide ban on live exports for both slaughter and fattening.
“It is clear that, when one export route closes, another will pick up the trade. Nothing short of a ban will stop the cruelty of live exports for good.”
Thanet council – at the time with a Labour ruling group -banned exports from Ramsgate after 47 sheep died at the port in September 2012 but they were forced to make a U-turn by the High Court.
TDC has since paid more than £5.1 million in compensation to individuals and companies involved in the export of live farm animals from the port of Ramsgate for loss of trade.
The claims followed the High Court ruling in December 2013 that TDC’s ban was unlawful and in breach of EU free trade regulations.
Around 40 police officers attended yesterday’s demonstration and two arrests were made.
A Kent Police spokesman said: “Kent Police officers attended Ramsgate Harbour in order to facilitate lawful trade and the right to a peaceful protest.
“A 70-year-old man from Broadstairs was arrested on suspicion of causing an unlawful obstruction of the highway. He was given words of advice and released without charge.
“A 21-year-old man from New Romney was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and issued with a fixed penalty notice.”
