Today we visited the VION slaughterhouse in Boxtel to see how the slaughterhouse and transport companies were responding to the extreme heat. VION had implemented several measures to reduce heat stress. Around 9,500 pigs were slaughtered today instead of the usual 16,000, allowing all pigs to arrive before 12:00. This prevented transport during temperatures above 35°C, … [Read more...] about Visit to VION slaughterhouse in Boxtel during Code Red
Our inspections
Visit to Van Rooi pig slaughterhouse in Helmond during tropical temperatures
On 25 June, we visited the Van Rooi pig slaughterhouse in Helmond (NL) during a period of extreme heat. We wanted to see what measures had been taken to reduce heat stress and how long pigs had to remain in the trucks before they could be unloaded. Canopy with misting systems and ventilation provides cooling Van Rooi has a large canopy where livestock trucks wait … [Read more...] about Visit to Van Rooi pig slaughterhouse in Helmond during tropical temperatures
Presenting an improved automatic electrical stunning system as an alternative to CO₂ stunning at the Science for Animal Welfare Conference in London
This week, Eyes on Animals took part in the Science for Animal Welfare Conference (formerly UFAW) in London, where we presented a poster showcasing how an existing automatic electrical stunning system was redesigned to provide a commercially viable and more humane alternative to CO₂ stunning. Together with a major pig slaughterhouse, Eyes on Animals redesigned … [Read more...] about Presenting an improved automatic electrical stunning system as an alternative to CO₂ stunning at the Science for Animal Welfare Conference in London
Heat stress inspection at a large slaughterhouse
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 … [Read more...] about Heat stress inspection at a large slaughterhouse
Visits to Two Additional Pig Farms During the Heatwave
At the second farm, we likewise did not observe signs of severe heat stress. Many pigs were lying down, inactive, and panting, behaviours commonly associated with efforts to cope with high temperatures. On this farm, the water-misting system was operating, providing additional cooling within the barn. Based on what we were able to observe, the farmers appeared to be … [Read more...] about Visits to Two Additional Pig Farms During the Heatwave
Visit to a Calf Collection Station That Feeds Milk to Calves
Good news. Last week we visited Wijntjes calf collection station in Friesland, where young calves are actually provided with milk through teats during their stay. That may sound like common sense, but unfortunately it is still the exception rather than the rule. At most collection centres in the Netherlands, EonA discovered that calves are offered only electrolytes during … [Read more...] about Visit to a Calf Collection Station That Feeds Milk to Calves
Visit to Dutch Pig Farms During the Heatwave
Out of respect for the farmer involved, we will not disclose the name or location of the farm. However, during today's heatwave, we visited several large Dutch pig farms to observe how the animals were coping with the extreme temperatures. With outdoor temperatures reaching approximately 33°C, signs of heat stress were evident throughout the facility. Many of the … [Read more...] about Visit to Dutch Pig Farms During the Heatwave
Introducing a major German retailer to a practical and more humane alternative to CO₂ stunning
Today we hosted the animal welfare manager of a large German supermarket chain, together with a veterinarian from the Deutscher Tierschutzbund e.V., for a visit to a large pig slaughterhouse where pigs are automatically stunned using electricity instead of the highly aversive CO₂ gas. Pigs exposed to CO₂ experience 15–30 seconds of intense panic and pain before losing … [Read more...] about Introducing a major German retailer to a practical and more humane alternative to CO₂ stunning
Eyes on Animals gives talk at Indonesian and Malaysian conference on Halal Slaughter & Welfare
A conference organized by universities in Indonesia and Malaysia took place today, with Eyes on Animals representatives Asalet and Lesley as guest speakers. Our two talks focused on animal-welfare concerns during non-stun slaughter of cattle, sheep, and goats, based on our work in Turkey and other Islamic countries over the past 15 years and Asalet spoke about the verses … [Read more...] about Eyes on Animals gives talk at Indonesian and Malaysian conference on Halal Slaughter & Welfare
Eyes on Animals presents to official NVWA veterinarians
Today, Eyes on Animals gave a presentation to official veterinarians from the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA), working at assembly centers and slaughterhouses. We shared our working methods, key findings, and areas that, in our view, require more attention, including: It was an open and constructive exchange with NVWA veterinarians about these … [Read more...] about Eyes on Animals presents to official NVWA veterinarians
