Discussion of new plans for Hilckmann pig slaughterhouse, Nijmegen (NL)

Today Eyes on Animals visited Hilckmann slaughterhouse in Nijmegen. Hilckmann is going to close its current slaughterhouse down soon and build a new plant. They want the plans of the new plant to take into the latest animal-welfare ideas. Eyes on Animals therefore met with them to give advice about better raceway designs to move pigs, how to reduce noise in a slaughterhouse, the design of the lairages, how to help prevent fighting among the pigs and better housing of animals that arrive slightly sick or injured. We also discussed the advantages and disadvantages of the different stunning methods currently available and informed them of our efforts with Toennies and V-Cons to develop a brand new stunning method in the near future that is more humane. By first taking into account best-animal welfare practices into the design of a new plant, one can prevent a great deal of suffering. The discussion with Hilckmann was very positive and open and we hope very much that they will take our suggestions seriously and put them into practice. We will stay in touch with them.