This week, Eyes on Animals is hosting a delegation of six Japanese slaughterhouse CEOs and animal-science professors brought together by the Japan Meat Technology Institute (JAMTI). Their goal? To learn firsthand about how to advance more humane slaughter methods that reduce fear, stress, and pain in animals.
Today we brought the group to Willems Abattoir in Druten—a facility we have long appreciated for its respectful atmosphere and innovative animal handling practices. Of particular note is their custom-designed pig stunning box, developed by the abattoir’s own manager. The design is based on pig behavior and natural instincts (back wall is transparent avoiding giving the pig the feeling he/she is trapped or facing a dead end), ensuring pigs can be immediately electricaly stunned without panic. The cattle are also handled calmly, one my one, and rendered unconscious via a captive bolt stunner by a patient, well-trained stunman.
The experience left a strong impression on the visiting professionals from Japan about how smart design and calm handling can work together to greatly minimize suffering, and the potential small/medium-sized slaughterhouses like this one have where time pressure is not high and noise is low (unlike many large industrial slaughterhouses).
This visit is part of an ongoing international exchange of knowledge, where ideas flow both ways and long-term improvements in animal welfare can take root across borders. It’s a hopeful sign that industry leaders in Japan are seeking ways to reform systems from within—by applying science, empathy, and collaboration.
At Eyes on Animals, we believe every step toward more humane treatment of animals matters and when countries work together, real change becomes possible.
