Up to about a year ago, Kelvin, I'd have agreed with you - but since then, for working reasons, I've done a lot of research on the subject, and have changed my view. Don't get me wrong - I am a meat-eater, and will continue to be . . because I like it.
You're right, of course - there are stacks of rules and regulations about animal welfare and live animal transport. The problem, however, is that the enforcement of these doesn't anywhere near match the intention. It's better in the UK, but reported to be very poor in most of mainland Europe.
In this instance, the animals concerned are mainly cull ewes, taken from flocks when their breeding prime is over. They're sold at auction at comparatively very low prices for industrial meat products, and are mostly killed locally. The shippers in this case, however, bring them from all over the UK to Dover, ship them on this small craft, and truck them all over Europe, usually without food, drink or often rest (which is why many of the vehicles have 2 crew). Animals maintained in this way cannot be shipped aboard conventional ferries, although breeding stock, maintained to higher standards, can be and is.
Inspections seem to be cursory. When the RSPCA was allowed to inspect a shipment of these animals when they were being shipped through Ramsgate, many were found to have broken legs and other injuries, and around 46 had to be put down on the spot. The RSPCA aren't permitted to examine these animals.
At the end of their journey, they are killed, and allegedly often passed off as locally-reared. Large numbers of them may be sold privately at some times of the year, and killed in back-garden religious ceremonies.
As someone who has no problem with being a meat eater, I still firmly believe that the animals I eat deserve to be treated as humanely as possible. You're entitled to your own opinion, as we all are, but personally and as a journalist, I find this trade pretty repulsive.
Topic: News video: UK's cruellest sea trade in live animals from Dover (Read 2392 times)