With several shipments of live animals sailing to Calais in recent weeks, the RSPCA has repeated calls for a ban on the trade.
It said Dover was still refusing to allow the charity entry into the port to inspect the animals. RSPCA deputy chief executive John Grounds said: “This trade has no place in a modern, civilised, compassionate society and it must stop. The fact that this is the largest shipment only highlights this further, as ever more animals are suffering unnecessarily.
“Four lorries carrying both sheep and calves have already left our shores today and another shipment is expected this afternoon. It is unacceptable that these poor animals are being failed and we do not believe enough is being done to prevent their suffering.
“We will continue to urge the Dover Harbour Board to allow RSPCA inspectors into the port to inspect the animals and help ensure their welfare,” continued John Grounds, “We must all stand up and speak out against live transport as the animals cannot speak for themselves and they cannot act for themselves.”