Grim Reaper leads live export demo
14 August 2000
‘Grim Reaper’ leads live export demo
By FWi staff
PROTESTERS dressed as the Grim Reaper and blood-soaked sheep called for an end to live exports on Monday (14 August) morning.
The campaigners from Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) gathered outside National Farmers Union London headquarters to say the trade is cruel.
Their protest coincides with the second anniversary of the livestock shipping service Farmers Ferry which sails from Dover to Dunkirk several times a week.
Opponents says transported animals can be badly treated, or end up having their throats cut while fully conscious in the Eid-el-Kebir Muslim festival.
CIWF overseas liaison director John Callaghan said: Demonstrations like this keep this issue in the public eye, as many people think this trade no longer happens.
I also know that many farmers do not like this trade, which is another reason to keep up the pressure on the few who do.
But Farmers Ferry insists it is committed to the highest welfare standards during transit and any transporter not meeting these cannot use the service.
Farmers First — an umbrella group for Farmers Ferry and sister company Farmers Fresh specialising in the on-the-hook trade — launched a share offer this year.
By late July 1500 farmers had invested 750,000 in the company, easily exceeding directors 400,000 target required to proceed.
Many farmers, particularly in Wales and the West Country, claim that live exports have eased the pressure on an oversupplied domestic market.
Farmers Ferry has exported around two million sheep since it was set up.
CIWF says 88% of the UK population is against the export of live animals for slaughter.