Live export of lambs
- Thread starter Ysgythan
- Start date
- Location
- East Sussex
I have been on a number of radio programmes talking about this.
It is ironic that a number of MP's have been spouting on about how we can improve animal welfare after we leave the EU and that we will be able to have additional rules and regulations to prevent any live exports.
I always ask if that includes the trade from Ireland to the mainland or the journeys from the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, which can be closer to Norway!
If we end up with a WTO situation then live shipments to Ireland and to mainland Europe will be essential if we are to see the sheep industry survive.
There is a massive demand for store lambs in Europe and if we could send lambs across for further finishing and slaughter we would be displacing animals from Bulgaria, Romania and other eastern European countries.
Farmers have been involved with Ferries before, Brittany ferries was originally started by farmers to bring fresh produce over to Poole, and of course the Farmers Ferry that ran from Dover after the animal rights lobby stopped P & O and Stena from carrying anything other than livestock on breeding papers.
Personally I would much prefer that the big ferry companies carried all livestock and that all shipments of livestock were carried by "Assured Hauliers and the destination of the livestock was also Assured and inspected".
It is an emotive subject but with a higher level of controls in place it would be the salvation of the sheep industry after Brexit.
kfpben
Member
- Location
- Mid Hampshire
Spot on @Frank-the-Wool. Stock comes across from the Isle of Wight to Salisbury and Frome every week. The ferry from Cowes-Southampton is an hour and no one bats an eyelid.
Suddenly livestock cross the Channel to France and its animal cruelty, As so often, politics and emotion before evidence.
Suddenly livestock cross the Channel to France and its animal cruelty, As so often, politics and emotion before evidence.