Agenda item

To consider the report of the Scrutiny (Community and Regeneration) Committee in respect of the following Motion referred to it by Council:

"This Council opposes the resumption of the export of live animals to continental Europe from the port of Dover, despite widespread opposition from the British public and resolves to lobby the Secretaries of State for Transport and for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to amend the outdated Harbours, Docks and Piers Clauses Act 1847 in order to allow port authorities in the UK the right to refuse the use of its port to any ship involved in such activities. The Council also resolves to lobby Dover Harbour Board to grant RSPCA inspectors access to the port and inspect any future shipments of live animals to the Continent."

The final report of the Scrutiny (Community and Regeneration) Committee is to follow.

Councillor G J Hood introduced the scrutiny report on the Council Motion on Live Animal Exports.

It was moved by Councillor G J Hood and duly seconded

(a)     That the health and welfare of animals, including when in transport, be considered paramount.

(b)     That the Council write to the Secretary of State for Transport and the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Areas to urge an amendment to the Harbour, Docks and Piers Clause Act 1847 for the purpose of giving ports discretion in respect of accepting the transport of live animals for the purpose of slaughter.

By way of example it is suggested that a change to the Act along the following lines (as shown in italics) would facilitate this:

3. Interpretations in this and the special Act.

The word: “goods” shall include wares and merchandize of every description except live animals, and all articles in respect of which rates or duties are payable under the special Act.

33. Harbour, dock, and pier free to the public on payment of rate.

Upon payment of the rates made payable by this and the special Act, and subject to the other provisions thereof, the harbour, dock, and pier shall be open to all persons for the shipping and unshipping of goods, and the embarking and landing of passengers, save that the undertakers have discretion to refuse use of the Harbour, Dock and Pier for the purpose of the export of live animals for slaughter.

(c)    That the Council urge the responsible European and British authorities to better enforce existing regulations relating to the transport of live animals.

(d)    That the Council express its support for inspectors from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) being granted access to work alongside officers from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (formerly the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency) at all ports involving the export of live animals.

It was moved as an AMENDMENT by Councillor P A Watkins and duly seconded:

(d)   That the Council express its support for inspectors from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) being granted access, with agreement and under the supervision of the Animal and Plant Health Agency (formerly the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency) at all ports involving the export of live animals.

Councillor G J Hood, with the consent of his seconder and the meeting, agreed to accept the amendment.

It was put to the vote and

RESOLVED:(a)     That the health and welfare of animals, including when in transport, be considered paramount.

                        (b)     That the Council write to the Secretary of State for Transport and the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Areas to urge an amendment to the Harbour, Docks and Piers Clause Act 1847 for the purpose of giving ports discretion in respect of accepting the transport of live animals for the purpose of slaughter.

                        By way of example it is suggested that a change to the Act along the following lines (as shown in italics) would facilitate this:

3.    Interpretations in this and the special Act.

       The word: “goods” shall include wares and merchandize of every description except live animals, and all articles in respect of which rates or duties are payable under the special Act.

33. Harbour, dock, and pier free to the public on payment of rate.

       Upon payment of the rates made payable by this and the special Act, and subject to the other provisions thereof, the harbour, dock, and pier shall be open to all persons for the shipping and unshipping of goods, and the embarking and landing of passengers, save that the undertakers have discretion to refuse use of the Harbour, Dock and Pier for the purpose of the export of live animals for slaughter.

(c)     That the Council urge the responsible European and British authorities to better enforce existing regulations relating to the transport of live animals.

(d)     That the Council express its support for inspectors from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) being granted access, with agreement and under the supervision of the Animal and Plant Health Agency (formerly the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency) at all ports involving the export of live animals.