End long distance live transport!
Latest News
Campaigners gather in Ramsgate
- The 20 May marked the first anniversary of the trade starting from Ramsgate in Kent. Hear our chief executive Gavin Grant speak at the rally.
Blog: The beginning of the end for live animal transport at Ramsgate port
- RSPCA inspectors monitor the port at Ramsgate as our chief executive Gavin Grant stands united with local campaigners. Read the full blog here...
Press release: Zero tolerance to welfare breaches at the ports
- RSPCA chief executive Gavin Grant has met with Thanet Council (who owns Ramsgate port) and Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) to discuss how to tackle long distance live transport. A joint working group has now been formed between the three partners. Gavin Grant said 'There will be zero tolerance of breaches of animal protection law at the Port of Ramsgate... if we find evidence of this we will consider prosecution'. Read more on this story here...
Background
Every year millions of animals including calves, sheep, dogs and horses are transported all over the EU. Many experience long arduous journeys and suffer stress and exhaustion, hunger and thirst, extreme temperatures and rough handling - some even die in transit!
Since the live export trade from Ramsgate re-opened in 2011 many thousands of animals including calves, sheep and horses have been shipped overseas through its port. We are monitoring the present trade from Ramsgate and have concerns on the boat being used. We're urging the government not to issue licenses if there are concerns that transport times laid down in law will be broken.
The RSPCA is calling for:
• An end to long-distance transport of live animals in favour of a ‘carcass-only’ trade
• A maximum eight-hour journey time for all animals travelling for slaughter or 'further fattening'
• Better enforcement of the current rules on live transport across the EU – including more frequent and thorough checks.
You can help...
We need you to help us end the long-distance transportation of millions of live animals.