Had the following in from the Port of Dover regarding live animal export inspections...
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In terms of the legal position regarding the inspection of live animal cargoes, the Port can advise that DHB liaises closely with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and its regulating agency, the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA), which is responsible for carrying out statutory inspections. The Port of Dover is not involved directly in animal welfare matters, although DHB is rigorous in demanding through the relevant authorities that all aspects of animal welfare whilst in the Port are fully complied with.
In a letter dated 16 April 2013 addressed to Mr Gavin Grant, Chief Executive of the RSCPA, the Port recommended that the RSPCA approached the AHVLA regarding the matter of inspections. However, DEFRA has been crystal clear that the RSCPA would NOT be permitted to take part in any statutory checks made by AHVLA inspectors. The Dover Mercury recently carried a front page report on this subject, which clearly confirms the position
http://www.kentonline.co.uk/east_kent_mercury/news/rspca-can-not-inspect-export-4396/.
Port of Dover