Earlier this year we brought an unannounced visit to cattle and pig slaughterhouse Gosschalk in Epe (NL). At that moment no one was present to talk about how suffering during the unloading, handling and stunning of cattle and pigs can be reduced.
The day after our visit the director informed us by email that Gosschalk wasn’t interested in a visit from Eyes on Animals as they were already being inspected regularly by the NVWA. The Dutch Authority “NVWA” however only enforces basic legislation. Eyes on Animals gives more practical recommendations to really reduce suffering – by observing animal behavior and evaluating the design and equipment of the slaughterhouse.
The director told us that Gosschalk may consider contacting Eyes on Animals in the future for advice or a course for their workers.