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Port owner drops attempt to suspend live animal exports Port owner drops attempt to suspend live animal exports
(7 days later)
The owner of Ramsgate port in Kent has abandoned its attempt to suspend exports of live animals to Europe, saying it does not want to spend public money defending a legal action that its lawyers believe it would lose.The owner of Ramsgate port in Kent has abandoned its attempt to suspend exports of live animals to Europe, saying it does not want to spend public money defending a legal action that its lawyers believe it would lose.
Thanet district council faced a judicial review next month of its desire to impose a temporary ban. Businesses in the export trade challenged the move as a breach of EU law. The companies, including owners of the ferry Joline, went to the high court after the council suspended exports in September.Thanet district council faced a judicial review next month of its desire to impose a temporary ban. Businesses in the export trade challenged the move as a breach of EU law. The companies, including owners of the ferry Joline, went to the high court after the council suspended exports in September.
The operation moved to Ipswich but the owners of the Suffolk port halted exports after one ferry trip to Calais, amid concerns about a lack of suitable facilities. That meant that for a brief period no British port was exporting animals, but sailings from Ramsgate soon had to resume pending the judicial review. Hearings start on 11 December.The operation moved to Ipswich but the owners of the Suffolk port halted exports after one ferry trip to Calais, amid concerns about a lack of suitable facilities. That meant that for a brief period no British port was exporting animals, but sailings from Ramsgate soon had to resume pending the judicial review. Hearings start on 11 December.
Michelle Fenner, a Thanet councillor and cabinet member, said on Thursday that the council was obliged to "protect the public purse" and that its "hand has again been forced" by its duty to act within the law.Michelle Fenner, a Thanet councillor and cabinet member, said on Thursday that the council was obliged to "protect the public purse" and that its "hand has again been forced" by its duty to act within the law.
The council suspended exports in September after 42 sheep that arrived at Ramsgate in a lorry had to be put down due to lameness. Two others drowned and two suffered broken legs. The deaths happened after the RSPCA gave a report to the council highlighting the port's inadequate facilities.The council suspended exports in September after 42 sheep that arrived at Ramsgate in a lorry had to be put down due to lameness. Two others drowned and two suffered broken legs. The deaths happened after the RSPCA gave a report to the council highlighting the port's inadequate facilities.
The council's decision also reflects its understanding that a review being undertaken by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is thought unlikely to require additional facilities to be provided at or by the port.The council's decision also reflects its understanding that a review being undertaken by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is thought unlikely to require additional facilities to be provided at or by the port.
Fenner said: "Our position has always been to work within the legal framework to ensure the welfare of animals. The decision to impose the temporary ban at the port was not taken lightly, following the horrific incidents in September, and we still consider this action to have been correct.Fenner said: "Our position has always been to work within the legal framework to ensure the welfare of animals. The decision to impose the temporary ban at the port was not taken lightly, following the horrific incidents in September, and we still consider this action to have been correct.
"As we've done everything in our power to get to this point, it is disappointing. However, we have worked extremely hard in recent months and will continue to push the agencies involved in whatever legal way we can to ensure that the welfare of animals is protected.""As we've done everything in our power to get to this point, it is disappointing. However, we have worked extremely hard in recent months and will continue to push the agencies involved in whatever legal way we can to ensure that the welfare of animals is protected."
The council called on the export companies to now drop legal proceedings.The council called on the export companies to now drop legal proceedings.
Emma Slawinski, of Compassion in World Farming, said: "Live export is an issue that requires action on a national scale and we urge the government to act now to end this vile trade."Emma Slawinski, of Compassion in World Farming, said: "Live export is an issue that requires action on a national scale and we urge the government to act now to end this vile trade."
This week the company that owns the Joline claimed the council had been tipping off protesters so they could mass at the port when sailings occurred, an accusation denied by the authority and campaigners.This week the company that owns the Joline claimed the council had been tipping off protesters so they could mass at the port when sailings occurred, an accusation denied by the authority and campaigners.
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