Sheep exported from Kent had no access to water

Sheep being transported from Ramsgate to France had no access to drinking water, the RSPCA said, because of a faulty pump on a lorry.

Campaigners have been protesting on welfare grounds against exporting live animals from the Kent port, which began last year.

The news comes as a petition calling for better conditions for livestock was handed to the European Commission in Brussels on Thursday (7 June).

The petition, which includes more than a million signatures as well as 400 MEPs, is demanding an eight-hour limit for livestock being transported across Europe.

Julia Wrathall, head of the RSPCA’s farm animals science team, said: “Drinking water is one of the essential basics that sheep, or any animals, need during a journey which potentially can be long and hot.

“It’s very concerning that a lorry transporting live animals abroad had a faulty water pump but it’s a relief that this was rectified so quickly.

“This breach of welfare rules highlights the need for better enforcement across Europe and a maximum eight hour journey time to help reduce the risk of animals suffering unnecessarily during transportation.”