As the ILPH (International League for the Protection of Horses) Say NO to Live Exports campaign gathers momentum with the voices and views of their supporters being heard in many regional papers around the country, more well-known personalities add their weight behind the campaign.

Martin Bell, prospective MEP, and journalist took a moment out of his own campaign to say, "This is an important animal welfare issue. It is imperative that the export of live horses for slaughter in distant abattoirs should not be allowed to resume. The United Kingdom must opt-out of new European regulations which would expose British horses to unacceptable and unnecessary suffering."

Broadcaster Noel Edmonds spoke yesterday from his home in Devon, "This is meant to be an age of enlightenment in which animal welfare issues occupy their rightful place at the top of the political and social agenda. It is therefore incredible and totally unacceptable that our horses are to be exported live for slaughter on the continent."

Jodie Kidd, super model, polo player and horse owner adds, "As a horse owner I am appalled that the UK is so close to losing crucial legislation that protects all our horses and ponies from live export for slaughter for human consumption."

This Monday, 22 March, ILPH representatives will be at the House of Commons to lobby 60 or so MPs who have shown an interest in their campaign.

All those who are outraged at the thought of our horses and ponies being exported alive for slaughter in Europe can help the ILPH with their letter writing campaign to MPs and MEPs. Details from ww.ilph.org or by leaving name, address and postcode on 0870 366 3456 for a campaigns pack.

The ILPH petition closed at the end of February and all those who still have completed petitions in their possession are urged to return them to ILPH headquarters, otherwise they will not be included in the final total.

www.ilph.org

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