We helped farmer Dr. Kees Scheepens with his request to host a Farm Animal Memorial Day at his organic free-range pig and cattle farm. Kees gave a talk about the trauma many farmers and vets developed from having to "kill" so many healthy animals during virus outbreaks, just for economic reasons. Thousands of crocheted white roses were planted in a spiral to represent the … [Read more...] about Farm Animal Memorial Day
animal welfare
The Dutch authorities continue to tolerate livestock trucks without access doors to the animals
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
Tamale slaughterhouse – serious animal suffering
We continue to see serious mistreatment and suffering of animals at Tamale slaughterhouse in Ghana, with no real hope in sight. Despite some of the butchers participating in the EonA and WACPAW training on humane handling in 2017, we continued this year to observe animals being dragged and beaten into this slaughterhouse. They are left for hours if not days without water. … [Read more...] about Tamale slaughterhouse – serious animal suffering
Visit to calf farm of Tijs de Koning
Today we brought an unannounced visit to the calf farm of Tijs de Koning. Tijs welcomed us to take a look at his farm, were he keeps 1,300 rosé calves. The calves were kept in a conventional manner – in groups on slatted floors. Because the calves are fattened for rosé meat there is no restriction of iron intake. There were a few calves that were weak or ill. They were … [Read more...] about Visit to calf farm of Tijs de Koning
Less noise in restraining box Vitelco calf slaughterhouse
Slaughterhouse Vitelco has adjusted their restraining box from pneumatics towards hydraulic. This resulted in a significant noise reduction. This is an important step for animal welfare because noise, especially sudden and hissing ones, can cause a lot of stress in cattle. It makes them balk and too scared to enter the box. Loud sporadic noise can also make animals inside … [Read more...] about Less noise in restraining box Vitelco calf slaughterhouse
