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
transport
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
Presentation on chicken catching at major conference for veterinarians and inspectors in Hannover
Today, we had the honor of being the first to present at a major conference in Hannover for German veterinarians and slaughterhouse inspectors! Our presentation focused on an important yet often overlooked topic: the catching and loading of poultry for transport. We shared our findings on how the design of transport crates and containers affects the risk of catching … [Read more...] about Presentation on chicken catching at major conference for veterinarians and inspectors in Hannover
Romanian cattle stuck 2 weeks inside No Man’s Land at EU/Turkey border
Forty-seven breeding heifers from Romania were stuck at the EU/Turkish border since 18 October. Despite Animals' Angels & AWF doing their very best by repeatedly contacting the EU and Turkish authorities, plus the buyer, seller and transporter, these animals were left for 2 weeks in No Man's Land while conditions for them on board got worse and worse. In total 6 cattle … [Read more...] about Romanian cattle stuck 2 weeks inside No Man’s Land at EU/Turkey border
Inspection of a turkey transport truck with cooling system
This evening, Eyes on Animals conducted an inspection of a truck transporting turkeys from northern France to a slaughterhouse in Germany, via the Netherlands. The inspection was carried out at the invitation of Mantrans, the transport company responsible for the journey. The truck had closed sides (curtains) and was equipped with a cooling and ventilation system designed … [Read more...] about Inspection of a turkey transport truck with cooling system
Severe heat stress in sows on board of stationary truck
This afternoon, Eyes on Animals discovered an animal-truck parked in the parking lot of a gas station near VION Groenlo abattoir with culled sows and a few boars on board. The truck was in the full sun (30°C), causing the animals on board to experience severe heat stress. Additionally, fights broke out between the animals, further exacerbating the stress. Eyes on Animals … [Read more...] about Severe heat stress in sows on board of stationary truck
Presentation on ‘gentle upright catching’ to Ministry of Lower Saxony (DE)
Eyes on Animals gave an online presentation today about her upright chicken catching project to the Ministry of Agriculture of Lower Saxony and representatives from the German poultry industry. By showcasing videos of upright catching and loading at several farms in the Netherlands, we demonstrated that this method (despite industry objections) is feasible and … [Read more...] about Presentation on ‘gentle upright catching’ to Ministry of Lower Saxony (DE)
Seventh meeting with the “Welfare for Calves” working group to advise the Flemish Minister of Animal Welfare
On the agenda again was the formulation and development of advice to promote animal-friendly, and economically viable calf farming in Flanders. No easy task, given the representation of both livestock farmers/fatteners, the calf trade, veterinarians, research and of course animal rights (the latter represented by both GAIA as well as Eyes on Animals). That animal … [Read more...] about Seventh meeting with the “Welfare for Calves” working group to advise the Flemish Minister of Animal Welfare
Upright chicken catching in Germany: collaboration with vets and officials
In Germany, chickens were caught for the first time using the gentle upright method of Eyes on Animals, instead of the conventional method of grabbing birds by one leg and letting them hang upside down. This innovative initiative was organized by the University of Hannover and the Niedersachsen ministry, seeking practical experience for an upcoming project on upright … [Read more...] about Upright chicken catching in Germany: collaboration with vets and officials
EonA provides a captive bolt stunner at the Turkish border
Since 2011 the border between the EU and Turkey has been open for livestock trucks from the EU to enter Turkey. Many of these animals arrive from far and have to wait for hours, even days, at this border crossing. We have seen hundreds of animals fall very sick at this border crossing due to these lengthy delays or poor conditions on board (overcrowding, heavily pregnant, … [Read more...] about EonA provides a captive bolt stunner at the Turkish border
