OFFICIALS at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) have finally been stirred into action and are promising an investigation into the transport conditions of live animals from the Port of Ramsgate.

Specifically, they will investigate whether the converted Soviet ship Joline is fit for purpose to carry sheep and calves across the Channel or whether basic animal welfare laws are being flouted.

This is a welcome development and the credit for it must be given to the campaigners who have worked tirelessly to highlight and halt the trade.

Anyone who has seen Thanet Against Live Exports (TALE) at work will know that, aside from being a group of passionate individuals, they are meticulous researchers.

For months people like Reginald Bell have been using all legal means possible to bring a halt to this needless trade and finally they are seeing some hint of success.

But this should not be their job.

We pay taxes to our Government to uphold the rule of law just as we vote for our representatives to see that the law is just.

When so many people are raising the alarm over questionable practices then agencies like Defra should sit up and take notice and not let the people who pay their wages do their homework for them.