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
animal welfare inspection
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
Inspection of the welfare of animals transported in today’s hot weather (NL)
Due to the heat, Eyes on Animals checked the welfare of animals in trucks waiting near Clazing poultry slaughterhouse and Boer calf slaughterhouse in the Netherlands. Many slaughterhouses like these, do not have enough space to be able to unload arriving livestock trucks immediately. The animals therefore have to wait on board, often in a parking lot, until the truck can … [Read more...] about Inspection of the welfare of animals transported in today’s hot weather (NL)
The Netherlands and several German Federal States put a stop to live exports
The Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality and several Federal States in Germany finally put a stop to the export of animals to third countries requiring a 24-hr stop, but other EU Member States must follow suit. For years EU animals, such as dairy cows and breeding pigs, slaughter-cattle and sheep, trucked to far away countries outside the EU have been … [Read more...] about The Netherlands and several German Federal States put a stop to live exports
Visit to dairy goat farm Papen-Olbach
Today we visited dairy goat farm Papen-Olbach in Vragender (NL) to talk about the welfare of billy goats. Although our visit was unannounced, the goat farmer took ample time to exchange ideas with us. He explained to us that animal welfare is very important to them. For several years now their milk goats get to go outside when the weather is good. This wasn’t a natural … [Read more...] about Visit to dairy goat farm Papen-Olbach
