Charges could be brought over sheep deaths in Ramsgate
Sheep peer through bars
of a lorry from which dozens died at the Port of Ramsgate
Charges could be brought against a number of people after the
deaths of more than 40 sheep at the Port of Ramsgate.
Kent County Council has confirmed it is taking legal
action over the incident last September.
If convicted, the maximum punishment is six months in
prison or a £5,000 fine.
It comes following the death of 45 sheep at the port last
year.
Dubbed a "disgusting massacre", the deaths on September 12
prompted the agriculture minister to promise a full
investigation.
Two French lorry drivers were arrested at the time after a lorry
was declared unfit to travel across the Channel.
Sheep from a lorry deemed
unfit to travel at the Port of Ramsgate
Two sheep, one with a broken leg, were put down. Another 41
sheep were shot as a vet found them to be severely lame.
Now, in a separate move, a government report has been
published into the deaths today.
The Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency
found changes must be made to avoid a repeat of the
deaths.
These included:
- The inspection of every consignment passing through
Ramsgate
- Tougher enforcement of welfare procedures
- Contingency plans to be drawn up in the event of an
emergency if the transporter is unwilling or unable to implement
their own plans within two hours
- Improved procedures to ensure a vet is always within an hour of
the port in the event of an emergency or welfare
concern.
04/03/13
- Click here for more Thanet news...
- Click here for more news from across the county...