Sheep peer through bars of a lorry from which dozens died at the Port of Ramsgate

Thanet South MP Laura Sandys wants to capitalise on the ban of live animal exports from Ramsgate by stopping the trade altogether.

She will present a petition to the House of Commons next month demanding a permanent halt and is calling on Thanet residents to ensure the strength of local feeling is heard loud and clear in Westminster.

Last week Thanet District Council suspended exports from the Port of Ramsgate after shocking scenes that saw 45 sheep die after the lorry carrying them was declared unfit to travel.

An inspection by RSPCA officials discovered a number of unwell animals onboard - two sheep were put down and another 41 were shot after a vet discovered they were lame.

The remaining sheep were then loaded into a temporary holding pen which collapsed, resulting in two sheep drowning after falling into the sea.

Ms Sandys said: “I am keen to ensure that we do not let this important issue slip off the agenda and have written to Dr Vassallo, Cabinet Member for animal health and welfare at the European Commission, to highlight how unacceptable the current situation is and to call on him to review a number of key policy areas.

Laura says she is shocked to find that animals will now be exported from Ipswich after the Port of Ramsgate was closed to the trade: "I want to ensure that we put an end to this barbaric trade for good.

"Over the last few months, I have been out and about collecting signatures for the petition which calls for an end to the trade and a reduction in the number of hours an animal is allowed to travel to a maximum of eight.”

She is now calling for local residents to sign the petition which is available on her website: http://telllaura.org.uk/home

“Alternatively if you would like to telephone my office on 01843 589434, I can ensure that one is sent by post. Unlike some other petitions, this one does need to be completed by hand as it is a requirement of all petitions presented on the floor of the House of Commons, ”she said.