Published 21/06/2011

Philip Lymbery, Compassion's CEO, highlighted the horrors of the live export trade, at a packed public meeting in Ramsgate on Friday 17 June. He was joined by the RSPCA, Kent Against Live Exports and a local councillor, Ian Driver.

On Friday 17 June, Compassion in World Farming's CEO spoke out against the export of live farm animals through Ramsgate port. 

The young calves who are being exported through Ramsgate may be destined for rearing conditions that would be illegal on animal welfare grounds in the UK. The sheep face a long journey - probably only to be slaughtered on arrival.

Philip says:

"It was a privilege to be part of the meeting and to see so many people speaking out against a trade in live animals that is outdated, unnecessary and causes so much suffering to animals."

With almost 200 people attending the meeting, it was very apparent that the local residents support Compassion in opposing the live export trade. Philip was joined by Thanet District and Ramsgate Town Councillor Ian Driver, David Bowles, Director of Communications RSPCA, and Kent Against Live Exports.

Compassion has always led the way in campaigning against the trade in live animal exports and long distance live transport. Animals may be trucked for long hours and even days without sufficient food and water, and forced to stand in filthy, cramped conditions. We see repeated infringements of transport laws designed to protect animals. Animals are sentient beings, yet are still being treated solely as commercial goods.

Compassion calls for a maximum 8 hour limit on journeys to slaughter or for further fattening.

Philip Lymbery at the meeting in Ramsgate

Take action

• Please write to your MP and to your Members of European Parliament (MEPs), using the template letters below. (You will need to fill in the name and address for the MP and MEP, and include your own name and address.)
  Template letter for MP re UK live exports.doc ( 27.50KB)
  Template letter for MEPs re long distance transport.doc ( 28.00KB)
• Find your MP
• Find your MEP

Read more

• To read more on the live exports taking place in Ramsgate, please see: 'Ramsgate: Ban live exports' - blog article by Philip Lymbery, Compassion's CEO
• Our recent article on live exports and long distance transport
• 'Live animal transport: Main concerns and issues'