19/05/2011

Live sheep and veal calves will be exported from Ramsgate for the first time in the port's history re-opening the debate on animal welfare. The first shipment of calves left the port this week, carried by a company which has moved its operation from Dover. Last year 16,000 live calves were exported from the UK. Farmers argue it is a legal and legitimate trade with Europe, but animal welfare charities are calling for an total end to the trade. Also on the programme, our reporter tracks the footprints of mink through the Scottish countryside. The animals were originally imported for fur farms but they are now so successful in Britain that they pose a threat to other wildlife. And farmers groups have launched a campaign to help reduce the number of people who are killed in the agricultural industry. In the last 10 years more than 400 people have died whilst working or visiting farms.
Producer: Angela Frain. Presenter: Charlotte Smith.