An estimated 75,000 lambs are due to be shipped by next Friday.

It comes after Thanet council was served an injunction forcing it to re-open to live animal exports for at least the short term.

The port had been under a temporary suspension following the death of 45 sheep.

Dubbed a "disgusting massacre", the deaths on September 12 prompted the agriculture minister to promise a full investigation.

Two French lorry drivers were arrested after a lorry was declared unfit to travel across the Channel.

Two sheep, one with a broken leg, were put down. Another 41 sheep were shot as a vet found them to be severely lame.

Protesters against live animal exports through the port of Ramsgate

Now the High Court has ruled that, until after the outcome of a full judicial review into the temporary suspension, the port will have to remain open.

And the first day of exports is today, with three Dutch firms allowed to transport the sheep.

Speaking at the port, protester Yvonne Birchall, secretary of Kent Action against Live Exports, said the movements were "barbaric".

"The first lorry had legs sticking out.

"But because of the interim order the judge has said the RSPCA are not allowed to touch, hinder or impede these lorries in any way, so it doesn't matter what state they're in, they are allowed to go - breaking all animal welfare rules."

The RSPCA's chief executive Gavin Grant said he was "very sorry" to be at the port in such circumstances.

But he said the battle had not been lost. The animals shipped today were going to "an appalling fate" - a ritual slaughter for the festival of Eid.

Protesters wave banners at the port today

But the charity was prepared to contest the shipments at the highest level.

Thanet council has said it will mount "a vigorous defence of its action".

Speaking before the protest, leader Cllr Clive Hart said: "The appalling incidents of 12th September were a very clear and practical indication to the council that the Port of Ramsgate is not an appropriate place to carry out the export of live animals.

"This is something we had been explaining to government agencies consistently for many months previously.

"The council is very clear in our view of this trade.

"However, if despite our strongest possible efforts to ensure the welfare of animals moving through the Port of Ramsgate, the High Court still determines that the Port must re-open to this trade, then our hands are absolutely tied.

"I would like to thank the RSPCA for their continued professional help with this issue."

Council bosses are now due to meet with lawyers to plan their next move.