Clazing, which operates slaughterhouses in Breukelen, Hunsel, Beringe and Zevenhuizen, is stopping the use of Marel’s five-tier transport containers to reduce the risk of catching injuries. It will now use only Marel’s four-tier containers, which are lower and provide more headspace for the broilers.
Eyes on Animals has called for five-tier containers to be phased out for years. In presentations and discussions with authorities, catching crews and container manufacturers, we use photos and videos to show why these containers are a problem.
To fill the fifth tier, catchers have to lift broilers above shoulder height. This is physically demanding and tiring, and increases the risk of the birds hitting the drawers as they are loaded.
The limited headspace inside the drawers poses another risk. It restricts airflow on hot days and can cause problems during loading. Birds are more likely to hit the edges of the drawers or become trapped when the drawers are closed. As broilers’ slaughter weights continue to rise, these problems become more pressing.
Five-tier containers are still widely used because they allow more chickens to be transported. They are made not only by Marel, but also by other major manufacturers, including Meyn. Meyn’s containers are made of metal, which can make collisions more harmful.
Clazing is the second slaughterhouse in the Netherlands, after ESBRO, to decide to stop using five-tier containers. By doing so, it is putting the welfare of both the chickens and the catchers first. We commend Clazing for this forward-looking decision.
