Animal welfare group protests over live exports from Belfast port

A leading animal welfare group has held a protest against further shipments of live farm animals from the Port of Belfast.

Belfast has become the first UK port to be used for shipments of live sheep to Europe after the lifting of foot-and-mouth disease restrictions.

Compassion in World Farming (CIWF), who organised the protest, said long distance transport could inflict suffering on animals in addition to spreading disease. It said videos had clearly shown that animals sent on long journeys abroad could "suffer terribly".

Richard Hardy, Campaigns Manager for Compassion in World Farming Ireland, said: "CIWF is gravely concerned that Belfast will become a port of shame if it continues to export live animals to the continent. We are calling on the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development not to allow the return of any livestock boat into a Northern Ireland port."

Last month, actress Joanna Lumley led a demonstration in central London against the UK's export of live animals. The Absolutely Fabulous star addressed a rally in Trafalgar Square, organised by CIWF, which aimed to press the government into banning what campaigners say is a cruel practice.

After the rally, the speakers all signed a letter, which was handed in to Mr Blair at Downing Street calling on the Government to abandon the live export trade.

CIWF wants a complete ban on the trade, but believes farmers need not suffer, because the animals should be slaughtered in Britain and the meat either exported or sold on the domestic market. (AMcE)