Friday's shipments of sheep and calves from Dover was the biggest from the port since the trade restarted in May.

That's according to the RSPCA, which is campaigning against live exports and disappointed its inspectors continue to be refused entry into the port to see the animals.

RSPCA deputy chief executive John Grounds said: “This trade has no place in a modern, civilised, compassionate society and it must stop. The fact that this was the largest shipment only highlights this further, as ever more animals are suffering unnecessarily.

“Four lorries carrying both sheep and calves left our shores on Friday and another shipment was expected. It is unacceptable that these poor animals are being failed and we do not believe enough is being done to prevent their suffering.”

A meeting has now been requested between the county council, Trading Standards, RSPCA and Kent Action Against Live Exports (KAALE) and Thanet Against Live Exports (THALE) to explore how Trading Standards could provide a role in inspecting the trade.

Earlier this year the trade moved from the port of Ramsgate to Dover. Previously, RSPCA officers, at the request of Thanet council (who own the port of Ramsgate), were given permission to be inside the port and carry out welfare checks on the animals as they arrived on the lorries.

Mr Grounds added: “We will continue to urge the Dover Harbour Board to allow RSPCA inspectors into the port to inspect the animals and help ensure their welfare.

“We must all stand up and speak out against live transport as the animals cannot speak for themselves and they cannot act for themselves.”

* Inspections are carried out by the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency when the animals are loaded onto the lorries, the Dover Mercury revealed in its August 8 edition.

* For full story see the Dover Mercury, Thursday, August 29.