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
slaughterhouses
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
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
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
Heat stress inspection at a large slaughterhouse
Yesterday, we were in the field monitoring how pigs were coping with the extreme heat during transport. At one large Dutch slaughterhouse, we observed four trucks carrying pigs waiting to unload. One truck was parked in direct sunlight. When our team arrived, the driver left the parking area and began driving around to create airflow for the pigs. Another driver whom we … [Read more...] about Heat stress inspection at a large slaughterhouse
Introducing a major German retailer to a practical and more humane alternative to CO₂ stunning
Today we hosted the animal welfare manager of a large German supermarket chain, together with a veterinarian from the Deutscher Tierschutzbund e.V., for a visit to a large pig slaughterhouse where pigs are automatically stunned using electricity instead of the highly aversive CO₂ gas. Pigs exposed to CO₂ experience 15–30 seconds of intense panic and pain before losing … [Read more...] about Introducing a major German retailer to a practical and more humane alternative to CO₂ stunning
Eyes on Animals gives talk at Indonesian and Malaysian conference on Halal Slaughter & Welfare
A conference organized by universities in Indonesia and Malaysia took place today, with Eyes on Animals representatives Asalet and Lesley as guest speakers. Our two talks focused on animal-welfare concerns during non-stun slaughter of cattle, sheep, and goats, based on our work in Turkey and other Islamic countries over the past 15 years and Asalet spoke about the verses … [Read more...] about Eyes on Animals gives talk at Indonesian and Malaysian conference on Halal Slaughter & Welfare
10-day field mission to Mongolia – improving slaughter practices and transport
Eyes on Animals conducted a field mission to Mongolia following an invitation from a Cambridge University researcher working in the country on animal and meat-related issues. As part of this visit, we were also a special guest speaker at a big conference in the capital, Ulaanbaatar, where we shared insights on slaughter practices and animal welfare. The aim of the mission … [Read more...] about 10-day field mission to Mongolia – improving slaughter practices and transport
