ANIMAL welfare campaigners have vowed to continue their protests if live exports carry on from a Suffolk port.
ANIMAL welfare campaigners have vowed to continue their protests if live exports carry on from a Suffolk port.
On Saturday six lorries of sheep arrived at Ipswich's west bank terminal in Wherstead Road before being shipped out to the continent.
A small group of campaigners turned out in protest - and have promised more demonstrations if the exports continue.
Sue Drake, Suffolk representative of Compassion in World Farming, said: “Of course we will continue our protests because we want to raise awareness that this type of activity is going on.
“There is no need for live exports in this day and age - it is incredibly cruel. The animals could be shot over here and the meat shipped out. Instead they can travel for around 27 hours in cramped and unsuitable conditions. It's completely unnecessary.”
Live exports have been re-directed to Ipswich for the time being because the dock at Dover is currently closed.
A spokeswoman for Kent Against Live Exports (KALE) said they expected more exports to arrive on Saturday.
A spokesman for ABP, which operates Ipswich port, said they were legally bound to handle all legitimate traffic.
He said: “The shipment of livestock is a legal trade in the United Kingdom, monitored and regulated by government agencies such as Defra.”
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