Meeting with nVWA about lack of access to animals during transport

January 14, 2013

(photo KAALE)
Today Eyes on Animals met with the competent Dutch authorities at the nVWA. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the various types of livestock trailers that are being sold and approved at a rapid rate in the Netherlands despite not providing access to the animals during transport, nor ability to inspect the animals properly, as well as risking their welfare should the forced-ventilation or airco break down. We also discussed the lack of access to poultry in their transport containers. These means of transport are being used for short and long-distance transport (such as De Jong Dutch transport company bringing animals over from Ramsgate harbour in the UK to Calais, France and then onwards). They are used to transport both breeding animals as well as ones destined for slaughter. These means of transport are in violation of the EC 1/2005 requirements, which state clearly that one has to be able to inspect and access animals during transport. Additionally, the law requires that one be able to separate, treat or humanely euthanize animals on board if necessary and ensure their safety at all times. This is not possible when one cannot reach the animals or get adequate air inside during a technical breakdown. We showed numerous photos of the importance of being able to access animals during transport, to show what really happens in real-life situations on the road.
(photo: KAALE)	(photo: KAALE)
The nVWA understand fully our concerns and is going to address them. We insist that before livestock trucks be approved, for short or long journeys, that the RDW inspectors check closely that access to animals during the journey is satisfactory. The photo left below, shows a sealed truck that at least provides 3 big doors for the driver, or veterinarian, to be able to access an animal in need (giving birth, trampled, suffering, dehydrated, fighting etc…) and also allows the driver to see the animals inside. The truck on the bottom right (which brought pigs to a slaughterhouse in the Netherlands) is not within the EU norms, as the doors are far too small to access the animals and should the ventilation break down, the animals are in danger.