On March 9th 2016 we were at the livestock market in Leeuwarden. Among other things we wanted to see what the condition was of the alleged cattle, how they are housed on the cattle market and how the loading and unloading takes place. The following findings relate to the situation at the start of the market day, when about 15% of the animals were present. We were not able … [Read more...] about Inspection of accommodation, fitness and unloading of cattle at Leeuwarden market
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Inspection of Zuidlaren horse market
Today Eyes on Animals inspected the horsemarket in Zuidlaren from 00:30 to 19:45. Especially at night, the atmosphere at the market is grim. There are many drunken traders and unloading the horses is a hectic affair. While inspectors from Eyes on Animals and journalists from Piep Vandaag are filming how a pony is pulled out from an overloaded truck by his tail and lifted, … [Read more...] about Inspection of Zuidlaren horse market
Inspection of Leeuwarden cattle market, NL
Today we were at the cattle market in Leeuwarden together with Jo-Anne Mc Arthur, a Canadian animal photographer and activist. It was a tough day. We were pleased to see several welfare improvements at the cattle market. More and more cattle are housed loosely in group-pens instead of tied on to railings, there is a big ventilator to improve air quality, animals have … [Read more...] about Inspection of Leeuwarden cattle market, NL
Short visit to Elst horse market, NL
Today one of our inspectors visited the yearly horse market in Elst. Due to circumstances EonA could not arrive at the beginning of the market, but only at 12 pm. Many of the animals had already been sold and were gone. Unfortunately, this means we could get only a very limited impression of the welfare circumstances at Elst. The total number of equines offered for sale … [Read more...] about Short visit to Elst horse market, NL
Visit of Jan Tijs export centre in Haarle (NL)
Today our team stopped by Tijs BV Haarle pig collecting and export centre. The owner, Tijs Haarle, let us know right away that we were not welcome. He had everything "perfectly fine and no desire to talk to us." Eyes on Animals is very disappointed about this. After all, if everything is fine, then why are we not welcome? Tijs Haarle is the first export-centre in the … [Read more...] about Visit of Jan Tijs export centre in Haarle (NL)
Visit of Reimink livestock export centre in Dalmsholte (NL)
Today we went to visit Reimink’s livestock export centre in Dalmsholte. At the time of our visit, there were no animals. This is always a risk when you come to visit unannounced. We looked at the unloading and lairage areas and shared knowledge and experiences with the owner. The owner let us know that it’s not a problem if we come by later this year again, so we can see … [Read more...] about Visit of Reimink livestock export centre in Dalmsholte (NL)
Visit of Meijer livestock export centre in Harfsen (NL)
Today our team conducted an unannounced visit of Meijer Harfsen’s export centre. We were kindly received and were allowed to see everything: the loading and weighing of calves, the newly arrived piglets and various livestock transport trucks that were at the company. We were very satisfied with the treatment and the unloading of the calves. This was done quietly and … [Read more...] about Visit of Meijer livestock export centre in Harfsen (NL)
Inspection of Leeuwarden cattle market, NL
Today two of our inspectors visited the cattle market in Leeuwarden where every Thursday culled dairy cows are sold for slaughter. A number of improvements have been carried out at our request since our last visit in August of 2014 when several serious incidences occurred. First of all, a concrete loading platform has been built so that culled-cows no longer have to climb … [Read more...] about Inspection of Leeuwarden cattle market, NL
Meeting on admission horses with docked tails on markets
Eyes on Animals joined in an evaluation meeting on the Protocol Horse Welfare Markets that parties drew up in 2011 to improve animal welfare. The five biggest Dutch horse markets have agreed to make obligatory that in bad weather conditions, owners of donkeys have to protect their animals with rain blankets. The Protocol house rule that draft horses with docked tails are … [Read more...] about Meeting on admission horses with docked tails on markets
Meeting with Dutch officials about unfit cattle
Today we met with the Dutch officials from the NVWA. We explained that we would like action to be taken against the farmers, cattle traders and transporters that were involved in the transport of two unfit cows to a livestock market a few months ago. Work in progress. … [Read more...] about Meeting with Dutch officials about unfit cattle
