Live animal exports are due to return to Ramsgate Port this evening.

Organisers of the Kent Action Against Live Exports (KAALE) group say they believe exporters are getting ready to start trading live animals through the port due to the upcoming Muslim festival of Eid.

Transport lorries are expected to arrive at the port at 8pm.

Group chairman Ian Birchall said: “Exports have historically started in July and because of Eid we think they are getting ready to start exporting.

“We have also had unconfirmed reports that they are beginning to recruit staff for the Joline, the ship previously used to transport livestock from Ramsgate Port.”

A public meeting to discuss the resumption of live animal exports from Ramsgate Port was due to take place last night at the Oak, Harbour Parade.

Ian Driver, founder of the campaign against live animal exports and a former Thanet councillor, said: “Now that the country has voted for Brexit I expect the exporters will be planning to maximise profit from their cruel and brutal trade before it is made illegal in two to three years’ time.

“I think we are likely to see a huge increase in the number of shipments from Ramsgate with two or three shipments per week until the end of September.

“An intensification of the trade will massively increase the risk to the health and safety of animals who are being transported by people, some of whom, have criminal convictions for breaches of animal welfare rules.

"I call on anyone who opposes animal cruelty to join our campaign to oppose this barbaric trade.”