Protesters have urged Brittany Ferries to stop live animal exports outside its Hampshire headquarters.

Compassion in World Farming campaigners and supporters gathered at the firm's Portsmouth headquarters on Saturday.

They want the company to reverse its decision, made earlier this year, to resume the live export of farmed animals from Ireland to France after a 30-year hiatus.

Campaigners say this trade subjects animals to extreme conditions and suffering, including overcrowding, exhaustion, dehydration, pain, and stress, often with little or no legal welfare protection.

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Although a ban on live exports from Great Britain was made law via the Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Act in May 2024, Brittany Ferries has resumed the trade, joining competitors Irish Ferries and Stena Line.

The protesters positioned themselves near an advertising billboard that read "Brittany Ferries: Stop the Cruelty", aiming to raise awareness among Brittany Ferries’ passengers, staff, and passers-by about the company's involvement in the live export of animals for fattening and slaughter.

The company had stopped carrying farmed animals from Britain to mainland Europe 30 years ago.

Campaigners believe this decision reversal is exposing thousands of animals to suffering once again.

(Image: Karen Bornhoft Photography)

Anthony Field, head of Compassion in World Farming UK, said: "This Ban Live Exports International Awareness Day, we are raising awareness of the scale and impact of these cruel journeys by sea and sending a clear message to the companies that profit from this misery - it is totally unacceptable.

"As the holiday season approaches, we want to make Brittany Ferries’ customers aware of the suffering that animals onboard its ships are subjected to and urge them to avoid travelling with the companies that profit from this appalling trade."

Brittany Ferries is a French company founded in 1973. It operates a fleet of ferries between France, England, Ireland, Spain and the Channel Islands.

Brittany Ferries has been approached for comment.