Today, we visited a large broiler slaughterhouse in the Dutch province of North Holland. Due to the hot weather, we wanted to see what measures the slaughterhouse had taken to prevent heat stress as much as possible. One truck parked in the sun outside the canopyWe first drove to a parking area a few kilometres from the slaughterhouse, where poultry truck drivers have … [Read more...] about Visit to a poultry slaughterhouse in the Dutch province of North Holland on a hot day
Our inspections
Visit to a poultry slaughterhouse in Overijssel on a hot day
Today, we paid an unannounced visit to a broiler slaughterhouse in Overijssel, the Netherlands. With temperatures reaching around 30 °C, we wanted to see whether the slaughterhouse had taken measures to prevent heat stress as much as possible, such as reducing loading densities and carefully planning arrivals to avoid waiting times. We also wanted to see the facilities in … [Read more...] about Visit to a poultry slaughterhouse in Overijssel on a hot day
Testing a non-penetrating captive-bolt device for euthanizing chickens
Today Eyes on Animals tested the CASH Small Animal Tool together with MHS Consultancy and Dr. Bert Lambooij. This non-penetrating captive-bolt device is designed to kill small animals quickly and humanely. Why this project?Poultry farmers deal almost daily with birds that become sick or injured. Often, these birds are killed to prevent further suffering and the risk of … [Read more...] about Testing a non-penetrating captive-bolt device for euthanizing chickens
Visit to Westfort slaughterhouse in IJsselstein (NL) on a hot summer day
This morning and early afternoon, Eyes on Animals visited the Westfort pig slaughterhouse in IJsselstein, the Netherlands. Due to the hot weather, approximately 1,000 fewer pigs were slaughtered today than usual. At around 11:15 a.m., the temperature outside in direct sunlight was approximately 32°C, with a relative humidity of around 45%. Under the unloading … [Read more...] about Visit to Westfort slaughterhouse in IJsselstein (NL) on a hot summer day
Visit to Clazing poultry slaughterhouse in Breukelen (NL) on a hot summer day
Today we made an unannounced visit to Clazing poultry slaughterhouse in Breukelen, the Netherlands. Our aim was to see what measures had been put in place to reduce heat stress in the broilers arriving and lairaged at the plant. We were openly welcomed by the plant manager, who appreciated that we approached the conversation respectfully and constructively. He gave us … [Read more...] about Visit to Clazing poultry slaughterhouse in Breukelen (NL) on a hot summer day
Visiting poultry farms to share good practices
Over the past few weeks, Eyes on Animals visited several dozen poultry farms across the Netherlands to talk about our project promoting the upright catching of chickens (instead of carrying them upside down by their legs) and about more humane ways to kill sick and injured birds. These are not always easy topics to discuss, but they are important ones. This time, we … [Read more...] about Visiting poultry farms to share good practices
Testing the H2H Euthanizer for sick or injured laying hens
Today, Eyes on Animals tested the H2H Euthanizer, developed by Top Equipment, for the emergency killing of sick and injured poultry. The importance of more humane tools for killing birds that are sufferingOver the past year, Eyes on Animals has been encouraging the poultry industry to adopt alternatives to cervical dislocation for birds that are injured, sick or … [Read more...] about Testing the H2H Euthanizer for sick or injured laying hens
Visit to VION slaughterhouse in Boxtel during Code Red
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
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 and … [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
