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Ramsgate: Protests continue as campaigners attempt to block live animal export lorries reaching port

Protesters were once again at Ramsgate Port last night in an attempt to block six lorries carrying live animals reaching a ship bound for Calais.

The latest protest comes after two men were arrested when campaigners formed a blockade around lorries on August 11.

This time, a more peaceful demonstration took place, with police forming a cordon in front of people waiting in Harbour Approach Road.

Police formed a cordon to stop campaigners reaching lorries carrying live animal exports. Picture: Ian Driver
Police formed a cordon to stop campaigners reaching lorries carrying live animal exports. Picture: Ian Driver

Campaigners say that due to police presence they were unable to hinder the lorries reaching the port.

This is the third shipment of livestock to leave the port in five weeks.

They were again loaded on to the Joline, the ship used to transport livestock from Ramsgate.

Sheep in a transporter travelling through Ramsgate Port. Picture: Mike Pett
Sheep in a transporter travelling through Ramsgate Port. Picture: Mike Pett

Robert Bridger, from Ramsgate, was at the protest.

He said: "It was extremely over policed.

"I have been protesting there for more than five years and it was the most amount of police presence I have ever seen.

"They used different tactics this time and made a gauntlet with two lines of officers in front of everyone campaigning.

"If anyone tried to get through they were pushed back and nobody was allowed to stand in the road or surround the lorries.

"We haven't saved one sheep but I do think the protests are helping to keep the live animal exporting to a minimum..." Robert Bridger

"The lorries had a clear run into the port.

"I think the live exporters should pay for the police presence, it must have cost nearly £20,000 to have them all down there last night.

"We haven't saved one sheep but I do think the protests are helping to keep the live animal exporting to a minimum.

"We are making it difficult for the exporters and people power will eventually stop this.

"I don't agree with some of the protesting like shouting and swearing at the drivers but it is almost inevitable when people see the conditions the sheep are under.

"We will fight this till the end, essentially an EU law classes animals as goods which they shouldn't be and that needs to change.

"If the animal is slaughtered and being transported as meat then maybe they should be classed as goods but not when they are alive."

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