The RSPCA is urging animal lovers to join a peaceful demonstration against the trade in live animal exports from the Port of Dover today, Saturday.

It will take place between 12-3pm at the Eastern Docks roundabout and the message to everyone attending is to keep it untroubled.

RSPCA chief executive Gavin Grant said: “We want to make sure that holidaymakers who are sailing off to have a delightful time with their families on the continent understand that sadly from the Port of Dover animals are being shipped to a grisly fate in European abattoirs.

“We want to urge those holidaymakers and all Dover residents to speak out and to send a very clear message to Dover Harbour Board that RSPCA inspectors should be inside the port looking at what is going on for those animals and that people should be doing everything they can to urge the Government and the European Union to end this really grim trade.”

* For more details visit www.kaale.org.uk

* Read the Dover Mercury on Thursday for full report and photos.