Following a visit by Eyes on Animals in 2018, Pali pig slaughterhouse in Geldrop made several improvements to their slaughterhouse. Our main concern at Pali was the single-file raceway to the electric stunner and the high noise level in the slaughterhouse. Due to design errors and (optical) obstructions, the pigs hesitated to enter the raceway and congestion arose. A lot of noise was made to force the pigs forward.
On our advice, Pali has adjusted their raceway now so that the pigs are less fearful walking through it and employees do not have to use a negative stimulus (sudden loud noises) to herd them forward. The raceway is now closed on the sides, so that the pigs no longer see scary distractions like moving employees. Pali has also reduced the colour contrast on the floor to prevent pigs from balking when being herded forward. For example: shiny metal strips and drains on the floor have been removed.
Pigs are now also housed and moved in smaller groups. This eases movement and reduces fighting. Soon also the brightly colored anti-reverse doors will be replaced with less noticeable ones.
As soon as the corona lockdown is relaxed, we will re-visit Pali again to see the improvements in practice. We are pleased that they invested time and thought into these improvements.
