Today we observed the catching and loading of broilers at Grefte poultry farm in Zieuwent. Jeroen van den Hurk, poultry sector manager at Rabobank, invited us to join Paul Grefte, owner of an innovative broiler farm. Paul wanted to show us a number of innovations on his farm. In order to reduce heat stress in broilers, they were loaded in the evening and at night. … [Read more...] about Observations during catching and loading of broilers at Grefte in Zieuwent
transport
Visit of Gijs egg farm about EonA upright method of catching hens
Today Eyes on Animals met with farmer David from GIJS Eggs. He is very open to our suggestion to catch their birds using the "EonA upright" method rather than upside down. Next April, when his hens will be caught and sent for slaughter we are invited to give a presentation and then together with their catchers will catch all the birds in this more humane … [Read more...] about Visit of Gijs egg farm about EonA upright method of catching hens
Inspection of the welfare of animals transported in today’s hot weather (NL)
Due to the heat, Eyes on Animals checked the welfare of animals in trucks waiting near Clazing poultry slaughterhouse and Boer calf slaughterhouse in the Netherlands. Many slaughterhouses like these, do not have enough space to be able to unload arriving livestock trucks immediately. The animals therefore have to wait on board, often in a parking lot, until the truck can … [Read more...] about Inspection of the welfare of animals transported in today’s hot weather (NL)
First Demeter company “Boerveenshof” catches laying hens using EonA upright method
After meeting with Rolf and Daniëlle Kanninga, of the biodynamic egg company Boerveenshof in Gasselternijveen, early last year, tonight was showtime. For the first time their spent hens were caught using the more animal friendly "upright method" instead of the traditional method: upside down, by one leg and 3-5 hens per hand. Before the hens were caught, we gave … [Read more...] about First Demeter company “Boerveenshof” catches laying hens using EonA upright method
Poultry sector in England interested in EonA upright catching method
Last January Eyes on Animals was invited by a major egg company in England to give them advice on the catching and loading of laying hens. Together we visited a large laying hen farm and observed the catching and loading of the birds for transport. The hens were caught by two legs (RSPCA requirement) instead of just, as is often the case in the Netherlands, by one leg. … [Read more...] about Poultry sector in England interested in EonA upright catching method
Again catching chickens at Rondeel EonA with upright method
A team of Eyes on Animals assisted and supervised the capture of 27,000 laying hens at Rondeel in Barneveld. The catching team of about 35 people (den Ouden and Van den Broek) had been trained by us before and had already worked with this method a few times before. Therefore, they were already well acquainted with the upright method. Because of this experience, it soon … [Read more...] about Again catching chickens at Rondeel EonA with upright method
Consultation with the works council of the KDS on heatstress
Today Eyes on Animals had a meeting with the worker's council of the KDS (The Animal Sector Quality Inspection Foundation) about the welfare of animals and employees in extreme heat. KDS is responsible for the inspection of red meat with regards to food safety and animal welfare. They do this on behalf of the NVWA. The works council of the KDS considers it important … [Read more...] about Consultation with the works council of the KDS on heatstress
Talks with Stena Ferries about the export trade of unweaned Irish calves
Today representatives of Eyes on Animals, Compassion in World Farming and KAALE met with 2 representatives of Stena Ferries at their London office. Stena Ferries is one of the few remaining ferry companies that accepts trucks with unweaned calves on board for their 18hr crossing from Rosslare Ireland to Cherbourg France. Unweaned calves are still fully dependent on milk … [Read more...] about Talks with Stena Ferries about the export trade of unweaned Irish calves
Meeting with the NVWA and Dutch Ministry of Agriculture (LNV) about animal transport during heatwaves, The Hague (NL)
Today Eyes on Animals, together with the Dierenbescherming, met with the NVWA and Ministry of LNV to discuss our recent report about what steps are urgently needed to combat the suffering caused when animals are transported during heat waves and our recent observations. Details are still in the works and we will publish them as soon as they are confirmed. The NVWA is , … [Read more...] about Meeting with the NVWA and Dutch Ministry of Agriculture (LNV) about animal transport during heatwaves, The Hague (NL)
Two scientists from Norway join EoA at Rondeel for Dutch chicken catching method
Two Norwegian scientists from Animalia, Oslo are present during the catching of the chickens at Rondeel in Wintelre. Animalia is the Norwegian Meat and Poultry Research Centre which addresses health- and welfare issues for all farm animals.They performed an experiment to compare the upright catching method (birds held upright maximum 2 at a time) to the traditional method … [Read more...] about Two scientists from Norway join EoA at Rondeel for Dutch chicken catching method
