But a Maff spokesman said the culling policy was necessary to prevent the disease spreading further. We have a job here to protect the all the farmers and thousands of people who depend on Exmoor being viable and free of disease. There is so much at risk here. The owner of an animal sanctuary in Scotland has also taken legal action to prevent the slaughter of 14 goats and three sheep. Juanita Wilson, of the Mossburn Animal Centre in Hightae, said she had put 10,000 of her personal savings into the legal fight.
Protesters plan to form a human shield around the centre to prevent the slaughter.
She added that she was prepared to take her case to the House of Lords and European Court of Human Rights if necessary. Ms Wilson said her local vet had examined the animals and issued a certificate giving them the all-clear. Meanwhile, the government has launched a poster campaign warning travellers that they face prosecution if caught bringing uncooked meat into the country.