More and more often we see Dutch-platted and Dutch-approved animal trucks on the road without any access doors on the sides. Access to the animals on these trucks is close to impossible- the only way in is via the back which in reality means no access. No truck driver is going to crawl on his knees through a floor of 80 pigs or suckling calves or sheep, or walk through a … [Read more...] about The Dutch authorities continue to tolerate livestock trucks without access doors to the animals
animal welfare inspection
Inspection of delivery of pigs to Westfort slaughterhouse (NL) on a hot day
Today Eyes on Animals visited pig slaughterhouse Westfort to observe the measures they have taken to protect the delivered pigs from extreme heat. Temperatures reached 33-35 °C today with a humidity of almost 50%. We documented the arrival of 10 pig trucks. A couple of years ago Westfort, partly due to the advice from Eyes on Animals, built a canopy with … [Read more...] about Inspection of delivery of pigs to Westfort slaughterhouse (NL) on a hot day
Visit to Leeuwarden cull-cow market, NL
Eyes on Animals conducted an unannounced visit to Leeuwarden cull-cow and bull market yesterday, in the Netherlands. We have been working at this market for years, ever since we saw downers being dragged onto trucks there 15 years ago and animals tethered tightly onto railings, unable to lie down. It is much better now and recently they moved to a new location, where they … [Read more...] about Visit to Leeuwarden cull-cow market, NL
Visiting slaughterhouses to check on implementation of heat stress measures
Today, Eyes on Animals visited several slaughterhouses to see to what extent they have taken measures to prevent heat stress. VION's pig slaughterhouse in Apeldoorn built a canopy to allow trucks to wait in the shade. VION will extend this canopy to allow more space between the trucks and improve ventilation. Additional (small) fans have also been … [Read more...] about Visiting slaughterhouses to check on implementation of heat stress measures
Inspections of poultry trucks for heat stress
Today, Eyes on Animals visited a parking lot where poultry trucks are frequently parked waiting for Clazing slaughterhouse. Due to the warm weather (around 29°C), we documented the waiting times of the trucks. Long waiting times are undesirable because temperatures rise very quickly in a stationary truck. This puts the chickens at great risk for heat … [Read more...] about Inspections of poultry trucks for heat stress
Visit of Zonvarken pig farm in De Heurne, NL
Today we visited the new pig barn built for the new concept "Zonvarkens" (sun pigs). This concept was developed by a group of pig farmers. The idea is to raise pigs whereby they have a good quality of life and can express their natural behaviour. They have room to move, access to the outdoors and fresh air, bedding to build nests and forage in, the sows will have a large … [Read more...] about Visit of Zonvarken pig farm in De Heurne, NL
Inspection calf transports in Zuid-Holland
Today Eyes on Animals performed inspections of livestock trucks on a parking lot in Zuid-Holland. Drivers regularly wait here until they can unload the animals at the slaughterhouse nearby. We arrived around noon when the outside temperature was about 26C. There was enough shade for the cattle trucks due to high trees at the edge of the parking lot. There were … [Read more...] about Inspection calf transports in Zuid-Holland
Visit to poultry slaughterhouse Plukon in Goor during heat
Due to today’s high temperatures we paid a surprise visit to Plukon poultry slaughterhouse in Goor . We received a warm welcome from the quality manager and we discussed the measures Plukon is taking to reduce heat stress in poultry. We also took a brief look at the trucks as they arrived on site. The air is cooled with water (honeycomb) in the lairage. This … [Read more...] about Visit to poultry slaughterhouse Plukon in Goor during heat
Visit of Gijs egg farm about EonA upright method of catching hens
Today Eyes on Animals met with farmer David from GIJS Eggs. He is very open to our suggestion to catch their birds using the "EonA upright" method rather than upside down. Next April, when his hens will be caught and sent for slaughter we are invited to give a presentation and then together with their catchers will catch all the birds in this more humane … [Read more...] about Visit of Gijs egg farm about EonA upright method of catching hens
No possibility to access chickens in need of help during transport
During random inspections of livestock lorries on the roads, Eyes on Animals inspectors again noticed broiler chickens stuck on their backs in transport containers. One of the reasons broiler chickens are often found on their backs is because of rough loading at the poultry farm. However, it can also happen during transport when the truck takes a sharp turn or drives over … [Read more...] about No possibility to access chickens in need of help during transport
