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Animal route under threat
Page 18
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A battle is on to close the Rosslare-Cherbourg route to live animals for slaughter. But where will that leave Irish farmers? David Harris reports.
P&O FERRY FIRM Pandoro is considering whether to stop carrying livestock for slaughter on its Rosslare-Cherbourg route after a landmark decision by the Irish Supreme Court last week. Pandoro had previously been prevented from dropping the service by a High Court injunction in 1997.
That injunction was granted to a group of livestock exporters and hauliers who were intending to bring a full action to court after the injunction was granted. But legal difficulties stopped that case going ahead and nowthe Supreme Court has scrapped the injunction.
In the meantime. Pandoro had stopped carrying livestock for slaughter on all its services except Rosslare-Cherbourg.
The ferry company's lawyers are now considering whether it could still be successfully sued for refusing to carry livestock for slaughter. If they conclude it could not then Irish exporters could find themselves without a route to the Continent for animals intended for slaughter. Animals exported for breeding would continue to be allowed on board.
The ferry company says animal welfare is behind its wish to conclude this business, but Irish farmers say an inability to sell live animals on the Continent would severely damage their business.
The association plans to lobby Ireland's Department of Agriculture to ensure that a European ferry service for all live animals remains available to Irish farmers.