Today we inspected Compaxo, a Dutch pig slaughterhouse, killing 600 pigs per hour. We watched the unloading of several pig trucks and the handling of the animals before and during slaughter. This plant uses electricity to stun the animals, instead of the now common but highly-debated method of CO2 gas. We were told that they were under pressure to switch to CO2 because … [Read more...] about Inspection of a Compaxo pig slaughterhouse in the Netherlands
Our inspections
Inspection of a pig collecting station
During the 35-40 degree hot weather today, Eyes on Animals was checking on the welfare of animals being transported to slaughter or for further fattening. We therefore also dropped by an export collecting center where pigs are grouped and sent for export after being checked by an official Dutch veterinarian hired by the VWA. We were shocked to hear that the VWA had already … [Read more...] about Inspection of a pig collecting station
Inspection of a trailer loaded with piglets in Udenhout
A concerned passerby of a parked trailer loaded with piglets called Eyes on Animals to ask for some help. She was concerned because the piglets were screaming loudly. When we arrived, we observed many piglets badly fighting eachother; biting eachothers' ears and face. As a consequence, some were covered in bloody scratches. After awhile the chauffeur returned, in a loaded … [Read more...] about Inspection of a trailer loaded with piglets in Udenhout
Inspection of a Dutch cattle lorry whereby soms cattle didn’t have enough headspace
An Eyes on Animals team inspected a double-deck lorry from the Dutch company Erik Tax (from Veewaardigvervoer!) parked at a gas station on the A50. Inside were Holstein cows with Dutch ear tage. Several had their backs touching the ceiling above. These animals were not given enough head room, leading to limited ventilation and discomfort from not being able to stand … [Read more...] about Inspection of a Dutch cattle lorry whereby soms cattle didn’t have enough headspace
EoA invited to EU conference on pig castration and its alternatives in Brussels
Having published several reports on the phasing out of pig castration here in The Netherlands, Eyes on Animals was invited to the EU workshop on pig castration and alternatives. Speakers from all over Europe, primarily from the pork industry but also from agricultural universities and meat research institutes, were present. During question and answer period, Eyes on … [Read more...] about EoA invited to EU conference on pig castration and its alternatives in Brussels
