On the evening of 18 March, we paid an unannounced visit to assembly centre De Skieding in Houtigehage (NL). At the time, unweaned calves were being collected. The owner spoke with us in a friendly manner but preferred to take some time to consider allowing us access to his assembly centre. We fully understand this, as the company is not yet familiar with our … [Read more...] about Visit to calf assembly centre De Skieding in Houtigehage (NL)
Our inspections
Visit to calf assembly centre De Vries in Scharnegoutum (NL)
On the evening of 18 March, we paid an unannounced visit to the assembly centre De Vries in Scharnegoutum (NL). We observed that calves were being collected for further fattening. The owner immediately made time for us and gave a short tour. The calves were housed in groups, with plenty of clean straw. Overall, the facility gave a well-maintained impression. Most calves … [Read more...] about Visit to calf assembly centre De Vries in Scharnegoutum (NL)
Training the trainers – Eyes on Animals equips Tierschutzbund team with humane handling techniques
Today, Madelaine from Eyes on Animals provided a training session to the poultry team of the German animal welfare organization Deutscher Tierschutzbund on the humane handling of laying hens and broilers during catching and loading. The training covered essential factors to keep birds as calm as possible and minimize injuries. Topics included bird behavior, … [Read more...] about Training the trainers – Eyes on Animals equips Tierschutzbund team with humane handling techniques
Say no to long-distance transport of young piglets: transport meat, not live animals
By: Marjolein van Huik, Senior Policy Officer Livestock Farming at The Dutch Society for the Protection of Animals, Madelaine Looije, Inspector at Eyes on Animals What happens to piglets deemed unsuitable for raising as finisher pigs? Tragically, these animals are not only sent to slaughter at a very young age but must also endure long and stressful journeys to get … [Read more...] about Say no to long-distance transport of young piglets: transport meat, not live animals
Visit to Mulder sheep and goat slaughterhouse in Twello (NL)
Today, we paid a scheduled visit to the Mulder slaughterhouse in Twello. With input from Eyes on Animals, Mulder has implemented various improvements to create a calmer, more controlled handling and stunning process, reducing stress for the animals and minimizing errors. During our visit we watched camera surveillance footage from previous days and walked through the … [Read more...] about Visit to Mulder sheep and goat slaughterhouse in Twello (NL)
EonA gives a talk to FVE on our improved pig electric-stunning design (to help phase out CO2 gas)
Eyes on Animals gave a talk today to 36 veterinarians at the FVE (Federation of Veterinarians of Europe ). The international audience was made out of veterinarians working as official inspectors from governments across Europe. We started off about the pain and panic pigs experience when CO2-gas is used to stun pigs at large pig slaughterhouses and the need for a more … [Read more...] about EonA gives a talk to FVE on our improved pig electric-stunning design (to help phase out CO2 gas)
Visit to VION cattle and pig slaughterhouse in Crailsheim, Germany
Today, Eyes on Animals visited a large pig and cattle slaughterhouse of VION in Crailsheim, Germany. Despite arriving without an appointment, the manager immediately made time for us. This allowed us to dive into key topics, including public concerns about CO₂ stunning for pigs and our work on a less stressful alternative: an optimized automatic electrical stunning system. … [Read more...] about Visit to VION cattle and pig slaughterhouse in Crailsheim, Germany
Presentation to the German Veterinary Association (TVT) on poultry transport
This past weekend, Eyes on Animals gave a presentation to the (poultry) transport working group of the German Veterinary Association (TVT). The enforcement policy of the NVWA regarding catching injuries was a hot topic! In the Netherlands, both the poultry farmer and the catching team are fined if more than 1% of the flock shows catching injuries (severe bleedings). This … [Read more...] about Presentation to the German Veterinary Association (TVT) on poultry transport
Unannounced visit to piglet slaughterhouse Beck in Kupferzell, Germany
Today, Eyes on Animals conducted an unannounced visit to a large slaughterhouse in Germany specializing in piglets. This facility often processes piglets with minor abnormalities, such as navel hernias, swollen joints, or bitten tails. These conditions can impair growth, potentially worsen, or require medical treatment, making early slaughter the most cost-effective … [Read more...] about Unannounced visit to piglet slaughterhouse Beck in Kupferzell, Germany
Follow-up check of Cape Coast cattle slaughter slab, Ghana
For the past 5 years Eyes on Animals and WACPAW (West Africa Center for the Protection of Animal Welfare) have been visiting the Cape Coast cattle slaughter slab in Cape Coast, Ghana. The purpose of our visits was to check on the handling of the cattle and provide assistance and advice where possible, in the hope to decrease stress and suffering of the animals. On our … [Read more...] about Follow-up check of Cape Coast cattle slaughter slab, Ghana
