Port protest over animal exports

The NFU said the trade between EU countries was legitimate

A peaceful demonstration was staged at the Kent port of Dover to protest at the export of live animals.

Members of Compassion in World Farming (CWIF) and Kent Against Live Exports (KALE) protested at the Eastern Docks roundabout on Saturday.

They say the long journeys across Europe cause the animals to become distressed and dehydrated.

The National Farmers' Union has said legislation controls the movement of animals and safeguards animal welfare.

'Continuously lobbied'

Marie-Claire Davies, from CIWF, said: "There is no justification for such suffering.

"A maximum overall eight hours should be imposed on journeys to slaughter or for further fattening."

The National Farmers Union said: "The trading and movement of farm animals between EU member states is a legitimate and lawful activity.

"This trade is subject to comprehensive legislative controls designed to safeguard animal welfare."