Livestock not held at port when ferry cancelled, says Government vet

Thu, 15 Dec 2011

Government agriculture officials say livestock awaiting export isn't affected by sailing cancellations.

Farmers often export animals for slaughter on the Ben-my-Chree, which has been subject to a spate of cancellations recently.

However, farmers speak to the Steam Packet Company before loading their livestock onto vehicles, to ensure the sailing will go ahead.

Concern had been raised that animals were being held on vehicles at port when the boat doesn't sail.

But Richard Ashworth, a Veterinary Officer at the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, says that's not the case [play clip]