At the beginning of July, Eyes on Animals received a disturbing notification from our colleagues at Animal Welfare Foundation in Germany about a Bulgarian mink transporter heading to Putten (NL) to load mink there for Greece. Due to the miserable conditions under which the animals would be transported and the lack of papers, Eyes on Animals asked the NVWA to check on the … [Read more...] about Unsatisfactory inspection of a mink transport by the NVWA
animal welfare inspection
Heat protocol fails to protect pigs from heat-stress
The heat protocol, that has been produced by the industry, fails to protect pigs from heat stress and is regularly being violated. During our inspections Eyes on Animals witnessed many pigs suffering from heat stress in the queues waiting outside the slaughterhouses. Many pigs arrived when the temperature already exceeded 35 degrees. This means the industry fails to … [Read more...] about Heat protocol fails to protect pigs from heat-stress
Visit to poultry slaughterhouse Mieki in Hunsel
Today was very hot out so we brought an unannounced visit to to poultry slaughterhouse Mieki in Hunsel. Mieki is part of Van Miert in Breukelen. At the time of our visit (around 16:30) there was no more supply of chickens. We spoke briefly with a Mieki employee. He informed us that they stop the slaughter quite early in Hunsel. According to him, there were no problems with … [Read more...] about Visit to poultry slaughterhouse Mieki in Hunsel
Visit to pig slaughterhouse Pali in Geldrop (NL)
Today we made an unannounced visit to the Pali pig slaughterhouse in Geldrop. When we arrived (13:45) there was no activity. The manager told us that because of the extreme heat all the pigs had already been taken inside before 12 noon. He explained that their pig trucks never have to wait outside the plant. Pali has their own transporters (no external transport companies) … [Read more...] about Visit to pig slaughterhouse Pali in Geldrop (NL)
Visit to Compaxo pig slaughterhouse in Zevenaar (NL)
Today we inspected Compaxo, a pig slaughterhouse in Zevenaar. Outside temperatures are 33 degrees Celsius in the shade and 37 degrees Celsius in the sun. Because the temperature is above 27 degrees Celsius the industry’s heat protocol is active. We are welcomed by two managers from Compaxo. They explain to us that the arrival of pigs is staggered over the course of the … [Read more...] about Visit to Compaxo pig slaughterhouse in Zevenaar (NL)
Visit to pig slaughterhouse VION in Boxtel during the heatwave
Because of the extreme heat we made an unannounced visit to slaughterhouse VION in Boxtel today. On arrival (10:45, 38 degrees Celsius) there were no less than 8 loaded pig trucks waiting in front of the slaughterhouse. The trucks were parked in direct sunlight. There were a few small fans and the asphalt was sprayed with water, however, these measures were inadequate to … [Read more...] about Visit to pig slaughterhouse VION in Boxtel during the heatwave
Visit to Westfort pig slaughterhouse in IJsselstein
Today was very hot out so we brought an unannounced visit to Westfort pig slaughterhouse in IJsselstein (NL) to check on the condition of the pigs being brought to slaughter there. We arrived at around noon when the temperature was approximately 28 degrees Celsius. We spoke to the manager and an animal welfare officer of the slaughterhouse and together checked on some of … [Read more...] about Visit to Westfort pig slaughterhouse in IJsselstein
Visit to the Van Rooi export assembly center
Today we visited Van Rooi assembly center in Lieshout. There were sows and piglets at the time of our visit. Because there was a wind, the temperature in the barn was fairly comfortable, even though it was almost 30 degrees outside. The doors were open on both sides, allowing the wind to flow through the area. The sows had troughs with water to drink from. In contrast … [Read more...] about Visit to the Van Rooi export assembly center
Inspection of the piglet transport from Pali
Today our team found a parked drag unit from Pali in the south of the Netherlands loaded with young piglets. The consignments were of so-called "residual piglets". These are piglets that go to slaughter because of (minor) disorders, such as an umbilical hernia or bitten ears, and are therefore not fattened up. The unit was parked in direct sunlight. The driver picked up … [Read more...] about Inspection of the piglet transport from Pali
Inspection of a mink transport on the way to NL for a load destined for Greece
In the morning of 3rd July we received a notification from Animal Welfare Foundation (AWF) that they had checked a Bulgarian mink transport in Osnabrück. The truck was empty and was going to be loaded with mink in the Netherlands bound for a mink farm in Greece. However, AWF noted that the conditions inside the truck were a concern as the cages were very small and there … [Read more...] about Inspection of a mink transport on the way to NL for a load destined for Greece
