Sheep peer through bars of a lorry where dozens died at the Port of Ramsgate. Picture: Mike Pett

Ramsgate port must be re-opened to live exports after the fight to bring back animal movements reached the High Court.

Port owner Thanet council is to be served an injunction forcing it to re-open to live animal exports for at least the short term.

It comes just over a month after a temporary suspension following the death of 45 sheep.

Dubbed a "disgusting massacre", the deaths on September 12 prompted the agriculture minister to promise a full investigation.

Two French lorry drivers were arrested after a lorry was declared unfit to travel across the Channel.

Two sheep, one with a broken leg, were put down. Another 41 sheep were shot as a vet found them to be severely lame.

Sheep from a lorry deemed unfit to travel at the Port of Ramsgate. Picture: Mike Pett

Now the High Court has ruled that, until after the outcome of a full judicial review into the temporary suspension, the port will have to remain open.

But the authority said it would mount "a vigorous defence of its action".

Thanet District Council leader Cllr Clive Hart said: "The appalling incidents of 12th September were a very clear and practical indication to the council that the Port of Ramsgate is not an appropriate place to carry out the export of live animals.

"This is something we had been explaining to government agencies consistently for many months previously.

"The council is very clear in our view of this trade.

"However, if despite our strongest possible efforts to ensure the welfare of animals moving through the Port of Ramsgate, the High Court still determines that the Port must re-open to this trade, then our hands are absolutely tied.

"I would like to thank the RSPCA for their continued professional help with this issue."

Council bosses are now due to meet with lawyers to plan their next move.