In the northern Netherlands, we teamed up with veterinarian and calf feeding expert Dr. Ronald Rongen to tackle a persistent myth in the cattle sector: that feeding milk to calves in transit causes diarrhea. Most Dutch calf traders and farmers think that giving milk to unweaned calves in transit causes diarrhea, and thus withhold milk for very long periods. … [Mehr...] about Debunking the myth: milk during transit does not cause diarrhea in calves
Inspektionen
Feeding intervals continue to be violated during import of unweaned Irish calves
Despite clear EU regulations designed to protect unweaned calves from starvation during long journeys, investigations by Eyes on Animals (EonA) and Ethical Farming Ireland (EFI) reveal that these rules continue to be ignored—resulting in Irish calves enduring extremely long journeys without being fed milk. On May 3, Eyes on Animals (EonA) followed a transport truck … [Mehr...] about Feeding intervals continue to be violated during import of unweaned Irish calves
Welfare concerns at yearly cattle market in Schagen (NL)
Once again, this year’s Easter cattle market in Schagen (NL) raised serious concerns about animal-welfare. Many animals exhibited clear signs of cold stress and fear. Several cattle slipped and fell while being sprayed with water—an experience that is both painful and terrifying for prey animals like cattle, who instinctively fear being on the ground, where they feel most … [Mehr...] about Welfare concerns at yearly cattle market in Schagen (NL)
EonA at the final PigStun Project conference, Brussels
Eyes on Animals attended the final PigStun conference in Brussels. PigStun is an EU-funded project led by scientists to explore alternative stunning methods to high-concentration CO2 gas for rendering pigs unconscious before slaughter in high-throughput facilities. This study is important because CO2 gas is painful for pigs; it’s highly acidic, causing irritation to the … [Mehr...] about EonA at the final PigStun Project conference, Brussels
EonA gives talk at French Ministry on new pig stunning option we worked on that causes less pain and stress
We presented our project on redesigning a large pig abattoir in western Europe, that we worked on with the manager and with Temple Grandin in our team, to reduce pig suffering during slaughter. Together we greatly improved automatic electric stunning, and this method is now a viable alternative to CO2-gas stunning and will have an impact on reducing the suffering for … [Mehr...] about EonA gives talk at French Ministry on new pig stunning option we worked on that causes less pain and stress
Visit to Leeuwarden livestock market: improvements visible, some concerns remain
On 19 March, we paid an unannounced visit to the cattle market in Leeuwarden. The market management immediately made time to show us around. The market appeared well organised: all cattle were housed in groups (except for the bulls), there was plenty of clean straw, the air was fresh, and water was available in every pen. Compared to a few years ago, the condition of … [Mehr...] about Visit to Leeuwarden livestock market: improvements visible, some concerns remain
Visit to the calf market in Leeuwarden: concerns about extended periods without milk
On 18 March, we paid an unannounced visit to the calf market in Leeuwarden. We were immediately welcomed and, as always, given the opportunity to observe the calves. The market appeared well organised: calves were housed in groups, there was plenty of clean straw, and the handling of the animals was calm. We also observed good practices, such as drivers placing straw on … [Mehr...] about Visit to the calf market in Leeuwarden: concerns about extended periods without milk
Visit to calf assembly centre De Skieding in Houtigehage (NL)
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 … [Mehr...] about Visit to calf assembly centre De Skieding in Houtigehage (NL)
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 … [Mehr...] 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, … [Mehr...] about Training the trainers – Eyes on Animals equips Tierschutzbund team with humane handling techniques
