Live animal exports face tougher controls over welfare concerns...
"Farmers, transport companies and ship operators involved in the export of live animals face tougher controls over their business as ministers seek to allay welfare concerns over the treatment of livestock.
Government inspectors are already said by ministers to be checking all shipments through Ramsgate in Kent, the only port now involved in the trade - albeit reluctantly - and this will continue until the government is satisfied "there is no longer a high risk" to animals.
Lorry companies and shippers will also not be allowed to give short notice of shipments to the agency, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said on Wednesday. This happened last month in an attempt to evade protests by welfare campaigners at the port where more than 40 sheep had to be destroyed on the advice of the RSPCA after an incident in September."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/12/live-animal-exports-controls-welfare