Inspection at Ramsgate could lead to prosecution

A lorry transporting sheep was stopped at Ramsgate port on Wednesday 12th September after officers from the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) found a number of the sheep were injured.

All the animals were unloaded under the supervision of AHVLA animal health officers and were examined by AHVLA vets, who ascertained that several were lame and unfit to travel.

They remained at Ramsgate overnight to monitor the welfare of the animals until a replacement vehicle arrived to return them to a Northamptonshire premises.

Will Creswell, South East Regional Operations Director for the AHVLA, said: “AHVLA takes its responsibilities for animal welfare during transport extremely seriously. That is why our animal health officers undertake checks on vehicles when animals arrive at the port of Ramsgate. Live animal transporters must comply with welfare regulations and vehicles must be fit for purpose. We will refer all serious welfare infringements to Trading Standards for enforcement action, which could lead to prosecution.”

AHVLA is working with Kent Trading Standards Department to fully investigate all potential breaches of animal welfare regulations.