HUNDREDS of protesters against live animal exports leaving the Port of Ramsgate are expected to march through the town centre tomorrow (Saturday).

The march from Ellington Park to the East Cliff is highlighting opposition to the shipping of livestock from Thanet to Europe which restarted in May this year.

Thanet councillor and protest organiser Ian Driver believes the turn-out could be high.

He said: "There is a growing public outcry against this cruel and barbaric trade. Over 2,000 local people have signed a petition against the exports and many of them have said that they will be joining the march."

Director of Public Affairs at Compassion in World Farming (CWF) Joyce D'Silva will be speaking at the rally. She said: "The port protests of the 1990s showed us the strength of feeling here in Kent against live exports.

"People remain outraged at this cruel trade today and we'll be at the rally supporting residents who want their voice to be heard on this. This rally is an opportunity for Kent residents to show their opposition to the export of animals."

CWF believes that Kent ports are being used to transport calves from Cockermouth in Cumbria to Spain, a journey potentially lasting up to two days.

Mr Driver said: "This has got to stop. Saturday's march will strengthen local opposition and be the starting point for future action against this sickening trade including mass pickets of the port when shipments leave. No-one wants to see this trade in Ramsgate or anywhere else and the only way to stop it is through the power of democratic protest."

Thanet council's leader Bob Bayford has written to the Government calling on it to press the European Commission for a maximum journey time of eight hours for animals being transported.

Mr Bayford said: "My letter is based on the concerns that the current restrictions, and the circumstances in which transportation occurs, make it extremely difficult to guarantee the welfare of animals during long periods of transfer."

In his letter to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Mr Bayford adds: "The council has had to allow this use as Ramsgate is an open port under the Harbours, Docks and Pier Clauses Act 1847, and because of wider legislation prohibiting restrictions on trade. However, the council is not supportive of the export of animals abroad and specifically the use of Ramsgate Port for this purpose."

Almost 14,000 animals were taken through Kent ports between December 2010 and June of this year. The latest from Ramsgate was a double shipment, leading to concerns the trade is being stepped up in Thanet.

There have been seven shipments of live animals from Ramsgate to Calais since May involving 40 lorries and hundreds of sheep and calves.

Marchers will be gathering in Ellington Park, Ramsgate, from 11am on Saturday. They will depart at noon, head along Ramsgate High Street, Harbour Street, and Maderia Walk, past Albion Gardens and along Wellington Crescent. The march ends at the bandstand opposite the Plains of Waterloo for a short rally.