Council admits defeat in bid to ban live animal exports through port

A district council has been forced to admit defeat in its attempts to ban the movement of live animal exports through a port in its area, after receiving legal advice saying the basis on which the prohibition had been imposed could not be sustained.

Thanet District Council called on the transporters and owner of the Joline to call off their judicial review challenge to the ban. The High Court had been due to hear arguments over the temporary ban on 11 December.

The ban has been lifted with immediate effect.

Thanet said: “The council’s decision comes in the wake of news that Defra has been undertaking a review into the circumstances and procedures of the transportation of live animals following the incident on 12 September, which saw over 40 animals slaughtered at the Port.

“Although still underway, it is very unlikely that the review will require additional facilities to be provided at or by the Port. Instead this will focus on revisions to the current arrangements. From the council’s point of view, this is a significant factor to be taken into account when deciding whether to continue with the legal case.”

Cllr Michelle Fenner, a Cabinet member at the council, said: “Our position has always been to work within the legal framework to ensure the welfare of animals. The decision to impose the temporary ban at the Port was not taken lightly, following the horrific incidents in September, and we still consider this action to have been correct.

“In terms of now having to lift the ban, our hand has again been forced as we are duty bound to act in accordance with the law. We have to consider our absolute obligation to protect the public purse.”

Cllr Fenner admitted that the outcome was disappointing. However, she added that the council would continue to “push the agencies involved in whatever legal way we can to ensure that the welfare of animals is protected”.