Protesters lobby outside Thanet council calling for an end to live animal exports
Saul Leese
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Campaigners against live animal exports gather outside Thanet council’s offices in Margate.
PROTESTERS gathered at Thanet council to campaign for an end to live animal exports from the Port of Ramsgate.
Around 50 activists were outside the Cecil Square offices in Margate on Thursday ahead of a debate of a motion calling for action to stop the trade.In the council chambers, councillors of all political colours spoke out strongly against the transport of live animals from Ramsgate.
The trade restarted this year but Thanet council, which owns the port, is powerless to prevent it.After taking legal advice, the council believes it could face legal action from carriers if it refuses to let the port be used.
All 56 councillors, bar one who is a farmer and had to declare a personal interest in the matter, voted in favour of putting pressure on the UK Government to press the European Commission to reduce the amount of time that animals can be transported to a maximum of eight hours.
The motion was tabled by Ramsgate Labour councillor Ian Driver.He said: "There is an online petition with half a million signatures supporting plans to reduce transportation times to eight hours. It is the right thing for this council to talk to the EU about this. With an eight hour journey time it will become uneconomic for the animals to be transported to Europe and it will stop at Ramsgate."
Thanet council leader Bob Bayford commended all parties forcoming out against the trade. He said: "This is one of those rare moments where we will find unity in the chamber. I believe this council should take every step it can to stop it."The EU directive 1-2005, which addresses the transportation of live animals is currently under review by the Commission.
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