'We can't save sheep from ritual killings'

THE Government claim they are powerless to save thousands of British sheep exported to a barbaric death at religious festivals in France.

As the Sunday Mirror revealed last month, the terrified sheep are slung upside down and their throats are cut with rusty penknives or blunt swords as part of the annual Muslim celebration Eid-el-Kebir.

No attempts are made to sedate the animals in the ceremonies which will be held at makeshift sites all over France this month - despite being banned under EU law.

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the Ministry of Agriculture last week only to be told there is nothing the Government can do.

Elliot Morley, Minister for farm animal welfare, said: "It is illegal to ban live exports under single market rules and the onus is on each Member State to apply on its territory the EU rules which protect animals' welfare.

"We will be appealing to those who sell or trade in sheep to take account of the risk that the animals may be slaughtered in this way."

Cash-strapped farmers are exporting the sheep to France because they can get up to pounds 15 more for each animal sold there.

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