The battle to stop live animal exports through Dover needs to be fought in Europe.

That’s the message to animal rights protesters this week after it was confirmed in Parliament that nothing can be done in this country to ban the trade.

Following the resumption of live exports through the port last month, Dover MP Charlie Elphicke asked David Heath, the Minister of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he would consider banning live exports from British ports.

Mr Heath replied: “Banning the export of live animals would be illegal and undermine the principle of the free movement of goods enshrined in the treaty on the functioning of the European Union.”

Mr Elphicke said: “My constituents are concerned about live animal exports. They think them bad for animal welfare and the local economy. Will the minister confirm that no amendment could be made to any of the harbours or ports Acts that would be effective in tackling this cruel and unwanted trade?”

Mr Heath said the Harbours, Docks and Piers Clauses Act would be a “singularly inappropriate vehicle” for any such ban, because its aim was to ensure that ports are available to all, without discrimination.

“Even were one to set that aside, however, no such ban would be legal under the free trade rules that this country is not only a signatory to, but the architect of,” he said.

Mr Elphicke told the Mercury he recognised this issue had dogged Dover MPs for years and acknowledged that former Labour MP Gwyn Prosser had also fought hard to get the trade stopped.
“But it is a European issue,” said Mr Elphicke. “I am pressing ministers to pursue it in the Council of Europe. It is hugely damaging to our town and the local economy.”

A public meeting to discuss the issue is to be held at Dover Town Hall on Friday June 7 at 6.30 p.m.

Full story in this week's Dover Mercury.