Yachtsmen who sail with their pets must leave them battened down below when they arrive at Ramsgate in Kent, a spokesman for the Royal Harbour authorities said.

Even though quarantine restrictions on pets coming in from the continent and other foreign locations have been eased, a local byelaw still covers their landing at Ramsgate.

The authorities are currently in discussions to get the law repealed meanwhile all seamen arriving there with pets are being asked to keep them on board and preferably down below.