CAMPAIGNERS against live animal exports say they are stepping up their campaign in the county (Natalie Ebden writes).

Their “cruel Kent” demonstration focused on both the trade from the port of Dover and Dart Line Limited, a shipping company in Dartford at the weekend.

Members of Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) held their demonstration at Dover’s Eastern Docks, while protestors from Kent Against Live Exports (KALE) targeted the freight company in Dartford.

Campaigns officer for CIWF Marie-Claire Davis said Dover and Dartford are the two main ports in Britain currently involved in the live export trade and will continue to be the targets of protests until this is stopped.

She stressed: "CIWF has been inundated with calls, emails and faxes from its 20,000 supporters and members of the public alarmed that another port in Kent has commenced live animal exports.

"We urge Dart Line Ltd to end live exports and make a clear statement against supporting this abhorrent trade.

“If this does not materialise CIWF will be forced to organise peaceful public protests"