Sheep peer through bars of a lorry from which dozens died at the Port of Ramsgate

Charges could be brought against a number of people after the deaths of more than 40 sheep at the Port of Ramsgate.

Kent County Council has confirmed it is taking legal action over the incident last September.

If convicted, the maximum punishment is six months in prison or a £5,000 fine.

It comes following the death of 45 sheep at the port last year.

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

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

Sheep from a lorry deemed unfit to travel at the Port of Ramsgate

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

Now, in a separate move, a government report has been published into the deaths today.

The Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency found changes must be made to avoid a repeat of the deaths.

These included:

• The inspection of every consignment passing through Ramsgate
• Tougher enforcement of welfare procedures
• Contingency plans to be drawn upin the event of an emergency if the transporter is unwilling or unable to implement their own plans within two hours
• Improved procedures to ensure a vet is always within an hour of the port in the event of an emergency or welfare concern.