Protestors at the Port of Ramsgate last November

The cost of policing live animal export protests at the Port of Ramsgate has been revealed as more than £22,000 a month - equivalent to around the annual salary of a police officer.

Campaigners who want the trade banned gather at the port when shipments are due to cross the Channel.

Kent Police send officers to monitor the protests - which have increasingly turned violent amid claims of threats and intimidation.

Now it has emerged the cost of policing around 60 sailings in the 18 months to the end of 2012 was £405,043.

Officers have made 16 arrests since January last year - mainly relating to public order and criminal damage offences.

Police monitor live animal export protests through the Port of Ramsgate

The cost, which include police overtime, was released by Kent's Police Commissioner Ann Barnes in response to an open letter to Chief Constable Ian Learmonth.

Mr Learmonth said: "The basis for our policing operation in Ramsgate is the notion of peaceful protest.

"The operation has been successful over a number of years; however the events in Ramsgate in the latter half of 2012 went beyond peaceful protest and required a change in the policing style as a result of intimidation and unlawful behaviour by some protest groups."

He added this includes intimidation of shipping staff by protestors shouting threats and throwing rocks at vehicles.

Others have blocked trucks by sitting in the road and banged on the vehicles carrying animals, causing them to brake sharply.

Two police officers have also been injured while trying to move protestors blocking the road.

Mrs Barnes said: "I hope the publication of this detailed report serves to reassure the people of Kent that the policing of this trade is the result of careful deliberation and is proportionate.

"I remain open to receive feedback and comments relating to it."