Live Exports from Ramsgate

Disgusted that live shipments of animals are going to start going through Ramsgate acording to the BBC. This is the quote from the NFU:

Mr Langrish, a member of the livestock board of the NFU, said: "This is not export, it's inter-community trade. The advantage is that you have a much higher value market place. Europeans pay more money for the meat. Is farming not a business? If a farmer can receive a higher value for his stock, then that's good for everybody."

He may have well said, these are not animals, they are units of production with no need for welfare or rights.

My friend Steve Campkin who is our Animal Rights spokeperson for Kent:"The return of live exports from Ramsgate would be a step backwards for animal rights in this country. As long ago as 2002, three quarters of the public were opposed to live exports. The global problem of live exports depends upon the failure of governments to stand up for animal rights.

“Our own Government, by failing to act, promotes more suffering for the animals. Why is the British Government not supporting British small-scale organic farmers through subsidies, and encouraging reduced meat consumption, or avoiding meat altogether, for their own health as well as for the animals. When buying meat people should be able to afford and choose British reared, organically-fed and free range.

"The Coalition Government has also failed to ban animals from circuses; instigated a badger cull; and appears to be engaging in a general attack upon animal welfare legislatio.

"No community wants to be tarnished by being associated with cruelty to animals. Kent Green Party fully appreciates that Thanet District Council has taken a stand against the resumption of live exports. The Council must now consider other measures to thwart any attempt to introduce live exports to Ramsgate using all reasonable non-violent means."