On April 9, 2026, a Dutch truck carrying 306 Irish calves overturned on the A29 near Framerville-Rainecourt, in the Somme department in northern France. No fewer than 105 calves did not survive. The driver sustained minor injuries. The calves were only a few weeks old and were being transported to the Netherlands. The vehicle was a closed truck, in which animals are … [Read more...] about Dutch truck carrying 306 Irish calves overturns in France – 105 calves dead
calves
The truth about Dutch white veal on Austrian national television!
Eyes on Animals and The Marker’s investigative report about the cruelty behind Dutch white veal and it being sold in Austria as “wiener schnitzels” in were featured on the ORF, Austria’s main national TV channel (comparable to BBC in the UK). For a long time Austrian restaurants have been claiming to its consumers that wiener schnitzels came from well-raised Austrian … [Read more...] about The truth about Dutch white veal on Austrian national television!
Visit to the calf market in Leeuwarden: concerns about extended periods without milk
On 18 March, we paid an unannounced visit to the calf market in Leeuwarden. We were immediately welcomed and, as always, given the opportunity to observe the calves. The market appeared well organised: calves were housed in groups, there was plenty of clean straw, and the handling of the animals was calm. We also observed good practices, such as drivers placing straw on … [Read more...] about Visit to the calf market in Leeuwarden: concerns about extended periods without milk
Visit to calf assembly centre De Skieding in Houtigehage (NL)
On the evening of 18 March, we paid an unannounced visit to assembly centre De Skieding in Houtigehage (NL). At the time, unweaned calves were being collected. The owner spoke with us in a friendly manner but preferred to take some time to consider allowing us access to his assembly centre. We fully understand this, as the company is not yet familiar with our … [Read more...] about Visit to calf assembly centre De Skieding in Houtigehage (NL)
Visit to calf assembly centre De Vries in Scharnegoutum (NL)
On the evening of 18 March, we paid an unannounced visit to the assembly centre De Vries in Scharnegoutum (NL). We observed that calves were being collected for further fattening. The owner immediately made time for us and gave a short tour. The calves were housed in groups, with plenty of clean straw. Overall, the facility gave a well-maintained impression. Most calves … [Read more...] about Visit to calf assembly centre De Vries in Scharnegoutum (NL)
Seventh meeting with the “Welfare for Calves” working group to advise the Flemish Minister of Animal Welfare
On the agenda again was the formulation and development of advice to promote animal-friendly, and economically viable calf farming in Flanders. No easy task, given the representation of both livestock farmers/fatteners, the calf trade, veterinarians, research and of course animal rights (the latter represented by both GAIA as well as Eyes on Animals). That animal … [Read more...] about Seventh meeting with the “Welfare for Calves” working group to advise the Flemish Minister of Animal Welfare
Sixth meeting in Brussels with ‘calf-welfare group’ to advise Flemish Minister of Animal Welfare
Animal welfare sounds so straightforward, it should indeed be the most natural thing in the world. Simply respectful treatment between humans and animals. Unfortunately, reality often paints a different picture, where economic and political motives frequently hinder animal welfare. Representing Eyes on Animals, cattle behaviourist and veterinarian Dr. Ronald Rongen … [Read more...] about Sixth meeting in Brussels with ‘calf-welfare group’ to advise Flemish Minister of Animal Welfare
RTE documentary about fate of calves in dairy industry wins Royal Television Society prize
Congratulations to the journalists from RTE (Ireland) who exposed on TV the fate of calves from the dairy industry last year with Eyes on Animals, L214 and Ethical Farming Ireland. They won for best Current Affairs documentary at the Royal Television Awards! Every year, between February and April, tens of thousands of Irish calves, just a couple of weeks old, are … [Read more...] about RTE documentary about fate of calves in dairy industry wins Royal Television Society prize
Meeting with pioneer farmer and founder of Calf at Foot Dairy in the UK
While in Birmingham to give a talk at the Humane Slaughter conference, EonA took the opportunity to meet with Fiona Provan at her farm nearby. Fiona is a real pioneer farmer and 12 years ago started and trademarketed her "Calf at Foot Dairy" methods. These are methods she believes in and has set up for other farmers to join with the same principles. Calf at Foot Dairy … [Read more...] about Meeting with pioneer farmer and founder of Calf at Foot Dairy in the UK
Visit to unique dairy farm producing for Harmony Organics, Canada
Recently Lesley from Eyes on Animals was visiting her parents in Canada for the summer holidays and had the chance to visit a dairy farmer there that was doing things differently. He founded Harmony Organics. Lesley had heard of him from a TV show called La Semaine Verte on CBC and thus knew he and his wife were farming with compassion and showed reciprocity to their … [Read more...] about Visit to unique dairy farm producing for Harmony Organics, Canada
