English/Nat
The first shipment of calves and sheep to pass through the British port of Dover since the High Court ruled live exports must be resumed left the docks on Thursday despite a protest by animal rights activists.
The port banned live exports in early January after action by animal rights protestors.
There were fewer demonstrators than at previous protests, and the police stopped them from causing major obstruction.
As the trucks filled with live calves began to roll in to the port of Dover, about 200 protestors gathered to show their outrage.
Some tried to obstruct the road, but were prevented by police.
Some felt the police were standing in the way of a legal demonstration.
SOUNDBITE:
Why don’t you help us? We’re the ones who are trying to do some good.
SUPER CAPTION:Animal Rights Protestor
Most demonstrators simply wanted to voice their anger at a trade they view as inhumane and unnecessary. They believe animals should be slaughtered in the country they are raised in and exported as carcasses.
SOUNDBITE:
The conditions really are appalling, they’re crammed in, the top deck urinate and defecate on the lower deck, they go without food and water for a long, long time, so essentially we’re against the trade totally. Our aim has always been that if animals are to be eaten they should be slaughtered as near as possible to the place where they are reared
SUPER CAPTION: Jack Westlake, Royal Society for the Protection of Animals
SOUNDBITE:
You don’t think those little animals enjoy themselves over there do you? There’s no question of it. It’s a disgusting trade and it’s got to be stopped.
SUPER CAPTION:
Joan LeMeasurer, Animal Rights Protester
But the animal exporters themselves were satisfied with the operation, and praised the police for their help. They also said the demonstrators had behaved well.
SOUNDBITE:
Brilliant operation. Fantastic. Good co-operation from the police, good co-operation from the Dover harbour board and good co-operation from the Ministry of Agriculture
SUPER CAPTION:Peter Gilder, Animal Exporter
As the animals sailed away, protestors vowed to fight on until the traffic is stopped.
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