Yesterday, we were in the field monitoring how pigs were coping with the extreme heat during transport.
At one large Dutch slaughterhouse, we observed four trucks carrying pigs waiting to unload. One truck was parked in direct sunlight. When our team arrived, the driver left the parking area and began driving around to create airflow for the pigs. Another driver whom we spoke to also agreed not to remain parked in the sun and drove around for approximately 20 minutes until he was called to unload.
While the outside temperature was 34°C, temperatures of 39°C were recorded inside one of the trailers carrying pigs.
Waiting times are generally not an issue at smaller slaughterhouses. However, at larger plants handling very high numbers of animals, logistical challenges can arise when arrivals and unloading schedules do not go exactly as planned. After more than 15 years of monitoring animal transport and slaughter, we continue to encounter these same problems during periods of hot weather. This is an ongoing welfare issue that the sector must finally address.
During hot weather, we always advise drivers to keep moving until they are called to unload, as airflow helps cool the animals. We also continue to oppose the use of closed, mechanically ventilated trailers for pig transport. One of the trucks observed was such a vehicle. In these trailers, humidity levels can become higher because there is no natural airflow through the vehicle, making it more difficult for pigs to cope with heat. In addition, the mechanical ventilation systems are not always sufficient for the high stocking densities commonly used during transport.
We continue to alert the authorities and industry about these problems.
