Tonight the “spent” laying hens of Kipster in Beuningen were to be caught and loaded for transport. Kipster employees spent 5 hours installing wire fencing along the entire bottom of all of their aviaries to block the birds from going underneath the installation, so that upright catching could also be very efficient. Normally catchers have to go underneath the … [Read more...] about Kipster puts practical ideas into place, but not all birds caught upright
animal welfare inspection
Slaughter of very young goat-kids to end in 2025
Partly because of our efforts the sector has drawn up a plan to put a stop to the transportation and slaughter of extremely young goat-kids. From 2025 dairy goat farmers will have to fatten all (100%) of their goat-kids up until a minimum of 2 weeks of age. In 2023 this needs to be at least 25% and in 2024 a minimum of 50%. Two weeks is indeed still too young and does not … [Read more...] about Slaughter of very young goat-kids to end in 2025
EonA and Welfarm Training of gendarmes in Hautes Alpes, France
Today, together with the French NGO Welfarm, we held a very effective training day for the gendarmes and official veterinarian services in the Hautes- Alpes department. After the 3-hr training course on the European legislation on the protection of animals during transport we went to the National roads and stopped 4 animal trucks carrying sheep and … [Read more...] about EonA and Welfarm Training of gendarmes in Hautes Alpes, France
Visit to Van der Linden poultry slaughterhouse in Beringe (NL)
Today we paid an announced visit to Van der Linden poultry slaughterhouse. Van der Linden took time out of their busy schedule to show us the process from beginning to end, and to answer all our questions. In the lairage, big fans with water-misters had been fitted on the ceiling. There were also fans on the floor. The water-misters help cool the air. However, in … [Read more...] about Visit to Van der Linden poultry slaughterhouse in Beringe (NL)
Visit to Westfort pig slaughterhouse in IJsselstein during extreme heat
Aufgrund der extremen Hitze besuchten wir heute den Schweineschlachthof Westfort in IJsselstein (NL). Die Wartezeiten zu Beginn des Tages (11:00-13:30) betrugen 20-25 Minuten. Das ist nicht schlecht für einen so großen Schlachthof. Die Lastwagen konnten innerhalb weniger Minuten nach ihrer Ankunft unter dem Vordach (Schattennetz) stehen. Unter der Überdachung befinden sich … [Read more...] about Visit to Westfort pig slaughterhouse in IJsselstein during extreme heat
Visit to Vion slaughterhouse in Boxtel during extreme hot weather
Today Eyes on Animals revisited Vion pig-slaughterhouse in Boxtel (NL) because of the extreme hot weather (30-33°C). When we arrived a few minutes before 4:00 pm the property was empty. The delivery of pigs had stopped. Even though we think a transport-stop during this hot weather (>30°C) should be standard practice, we are happy to see this in action. During our last … [Read more...] about Visit to Vion slaughterhouse in Boxtel during extreme hot weather
Gosschalk continues to improve animal welfare 
After Gosschalk was forced to shut down by NVW authority due to undercover footage exposing serious animal welfare issues, they have responded by implementing several improvements. Although we were hesitant to help at first (for years Gosschalk did not allow us in) after a few meetings with the director and the newly appointed welfare supervisor, we have the impression … [Read more...] about Gosschalk continues to improve animal welfare 
Meeting with VION pig slaughterhouse in Boxtel about recent problems during the heat wave
Today, we had a meeting with VION pig slaughterhouse in Boxtel. We requested the meeting because of the welfare problems that occurred last weeks during the hot weather. We would like to know Vion’s plans going forward and provide them with our own suggestions to avoid repeat suffering: Fewer pigs arriving at the slaughterhouse, or better still, no pigs arriving at the … [Read more...] about Meeting with VION pig slaughterhouse in Boxtel about recent problems during the heat wave
Visit to Vion in Apeldoorn on a warm day
Today we returned to Vion in Apeldoorn, where a few weeks ago, we witnessed trucks parked in the sun with increased waiting times of up to two hours. Vion Apeldoorn openly admitted that things had not been done right due to a lack of communication and planning. They let us know via email that following our visit, they will re-evaluate and/or talk with chain … [Read more...] about Visit to Vion in Apeldoorn on a warm day
Heat stress inspection at cattle slaughterhouse Ameco in Apeldoorn
Today, we made an unannounced visit to Ameco cattle slaughterhouse because of the extreme heat. When we arrived, we saw a truck with cows standing next to the car wash, mainly in the sun. The truck stood there for at least 40 minutes. This is not acceptable. We called Ameco, who immediately made time for us. Together we walked onto the property to have a look at … [Read more...] about Heat stress inspection at cattle slaughterhouse Ameco in Apeldoorn
