Today, we conducted an unannounced visit to Van Rooi pig slaughterhouse. We chose a later time in the afternoon (starting at 17:00) because the temperature was expected to rise as the day progressed. At Van Rooi, pigs are delivered until late in the evening (around 20:00). It was 32-33°C in the sun during our visit. At Van Rooi, drivers who need to wait before … [Read more...] about Visit to Van Rooi pig slaughterhouse in Helmond (NL) during heat
Our inspections
Visit to VION Pig Slaughterhouse in Boxtel During Heat
Today, we paid an unannounced visit to the VION pig slaughterhouse in Boxtel (NL). At VION in Boxtel, we have often observed chauffeurs waiting for many hours before pigs could be unloaded. We have also frequently seen trucks, fully loaded with pigs, standing outside the canopy in the sun. Because the situation did not improve sufficiently, we filed an enforcement request … [Read more...] about Visit to VION Pig Slaughterhouse in Boxtel During Heat
Repairs to lairage at Kumasi abattoir to stop workers throwing pigs over, Ghana
It was a nightmare, our first visits to this pig abattoir in Kumasi (Ghana). All of the gates of their old lairage were broken or rusted-shut and so workers were picking up pigs and throwing them overboard! Upon their abrupt landing, some pigs broke their legs and noses, and all of them were in sheer terror. We insisted that the manager do something about this and during … [Read more...] about Repairs to lairage at Kumasi abattoir to stop workers throwing pigs over, Ghana
Visit to VION pig slaughterhouse in Groenlo (NL) on a hot day
Due to the warm weather (26°C), Eyes on Animals conducted an unannounced visit to the VION slaughterhouse in Groenlo, where finishing pigs and sows are slaughtered. We were given permission to immediately observe the stationary trucks waiting on their premises and the unloading process. Unfortunately, the waiting time was really long: the pigs on board had to wait 2-2.5 … [Read more...] about Visit to VION pig slaughterhouse in Groenlo (NL) on a hot day
Visit to Remkes Poultry Slaughterhouse in Epe (NL) on a Hot Day
Today, we conducted an unannounced visit to Remkes in Epe (NL), where broiler breeders are slaughtered. This visit was prompted by the warm weather conditions (approximately 27°C). Waiting timesBroiler breeders, similar to laying hens, are often caught in the evening as they are calmer at that time. However, this also means that birds frequently arrive at the … [Read more...] about Visit to Remkes Poultry Slaughterhouse in Epe (NL) on a Hot Day
Consultation with LTO and ZLTO on the Welfare of Goat Kids
Today, Eyes on Animals held a discussion with two representatives from the Netherlands Agricultural and Horticultural Organization (LTO) and the Southern Netherlands Agricultural and Horticultural Organization (ZLTO) regarding the welfare status of goat kids. In 2020, Eyes on Animals published the report "Welfare of Male Goat Kids in Focus." In this report, we … [Read more...] about Consultation with LTO and ZLTO on the Welfare of Goat Kids
Visit to Van den Bor poultry slaughterhouse on a hot day
Today, we conducted an unannounced visit to the Van den Bor poultry slaughterhouse in Nijkerkerveen due to the warm weather (approximately 27 degrees Celsius). In 2021, Van den Bor was taken over by Esbro. On their premises, we observed two trucks carrying broiler chickens. The trucks were parked (mostly) in the shade next to a row of trees, but there were no mobile fans … [Read more...] about Visit to Van den Bor poultry slaughterhouse on a hot day
Visit to unique dairy farm producing for Harmony Organics, Canada
Recently Lesley from Eyes on Animals was visiting her parents in Canada for the summer holidays and had the chance to visit a dairy farmer there that was doing things differently. He founded Harmony Organics. Lesley had heard of him from a TV show called La Semaine Verte on CBC and thus knew he and his wife were farming with compassion and showed reciprocity to their … [Read more...] about Visit to unique dairy farm producing for Harmony Organics, Canada
Meeting with World Halal Union, Turkey
Today Eyes on Animals is in Bursa at the World Halal Union headquarters to meet with the director, Mr. Ahmet Gelir. The World Halal Union in a non-governmental organization that connects 52 Islamic countries worldwide and works on awareness and Halal certification. Our inspector, Asalet Sancakdaroglu, … [Read more...] about Meeting with World Halal Union, Turkey
Unsuccessfully introducing stunning at Cavdir slaughterhouse, Turkey
Cavdir Slaughterhouse is a very large abattoir where 100 cattle and about 200 sheep are slaughtered daily. It is a privately owned slaughterhouse. The owner, Mr. Ilhan, states, "I don't interfere in the slaughtering process. The animals are slaughtered here according to the customers' preferences." Unfortunately, the animal owners were not in agreement with using the … [Read more...] about Unsuccessfully introducing stunning at Cavdir slaughterhouse, Turkey
