Today Eyes on Animals had a meeting with representatives of the poultry industry (Avined, LTO, Nepluvi and chicken catching companies) about the upcoming mandatory IKB chicken catching course. As Eyes on Animals has much field experience and gives trainings to chicken catchers too, we initiated this meeting to exchange ideas and observations in the field. We were a bit disappointed by the limited information and feedback we received from them – but are happy that we were promised to receive the course material by email so we can give our feedback. In return the industry will also take a look at our training material.
During the meeting we were told that the IKB chicken course will be mandatory as of 1 November 2017. The industry also initiated a scientific research project by WUR to investigate the causes of injuries of chickens that are observed on the slaughterline.
We are happy that a course will be soon mandatory and hope that this will indeed improve animal welfare during catching and loading.
