Livestock hauliers demand protection
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• Livestock hauliers are calling for better protection from animal rights activists after a haulier lost several teeth and had his thumb bitten to the bone as he tried to protect his vehicles. Now Gordon Gilder, 54, is nursing his injuries—and a .£20.000 bill to repair his trucks.
His son Shaun, who is transport manager of the Gloucestershire family firm Gilders Transport, says his father has contacted Home Secretary Jack Straw to complain and has held meetings with his local MP and lawyers.
The three-hour attack involved up to 150 demonstra
tors, some wearing balaclavas as they advanced on Gilders depot at Gretton Fields, near Winchcombe.
Only six police officers were present when the attack started but 70 more arrived later and CS gas was used. Fourteen protesters were arrested at the depot and 10 have been charged with public order offences.
C The Government has moved quickly to affirm its manifesto commitment that meat should be exported "on the hook rather than on the hoof". It is to review the enforcement of the ruling governing the welfare of animals exported to the Continent: this is expected to end the practice of exporters choosing and paying for their own vets for pre-export clearance.
Junior Agriculture Minister Elliot Morley says he will introduce new EU rules on the transport of animals "as soon as practicable".