We have received wonderful news. Stichting Abri voor Dieren has decided to financially support our project to reduce the suffering of sick, injured and weakened birds on poultry farms. Thanks to their contribution, we can test and help introduce more humane ways of putting these animals out of their misery, replacing painful methods and preventing a great deal of … [Read more...] about Financial support for project on sick, injured and weakened birds
live animal transports
Brittany Ferries to stop transporting live animals as of September 2026
After years of exposing the route of unweaned calves from Ireland to the Netherlands, there is progress. Brittany Ferries has decided to go back to their original plan of banning live animal transports on their ferry services. Under pressure from industry they allowed it this past year but due to all the recent negative publicity they have decided to stop again. Thank you … [Read more...] about Brittany Ferries to stop transporting live animals as of September 2026
Improving broiler catching and loading: Eyes on Animals presents to the Better Chicken Business Network
Weeks of good stockmanship can be undone in just a few hours of rough catching and loading. Catching and loading are among the most stressful moments in a broiler chicken’s life. But rough or high-speed handling not only causes fear, pain and injuries among the birds, it also results in significant financial losses. Eyes on Animals recently shared its experiences with … [Read more...] about Improving broiler catching and loading: Eyes on Animals presents to the Better Chicken Business Network
Visit to Westfort slaughterhouse in IJsselstein (NL) on a hot summer day
This morning and early afternoon, Eyes on Animals visited the Westfort pig slaughterhouse in IJsselstein, the Netherlands. Due to the hot weather, approximately 1,000 fewer pigs were slaughtered today than usual. At around 11:15 a.m., the temperature outside in direct sunlight was approximately 32°C, with a relative humidity of around 45%. Under the unloading … [Read more...] about Visit to Westfort slaughterhouse in IJsselstein (NL) on a hot summer day
Visit to Clazing poultry slaughterhouse in Breukelen (NL) on a hot summer day
Today we made an unannounced visit to Clazing poultry slaughterhouse in Breukelen, the Netherlands. Our aim was to see what measures had been put in place to reduce heat stress in the broilers arriving and lairaged at the plant. We were openly welcomed by the plant manager, who appreciated that we approached the conversation respectfully and constructively. He gave us … [Read more...] about Visit to Clazing poultry slaughterhouse in Breukelen (NL) on a hot summer day
Eyes on Animals presents to official NVWA veterinarians
Today, Eyes on Animals gave a presentation to official veterinarians from the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA), working at assembly centers and slaughterhouses. We shared our working methods, key findings, and areas that, in our view, require more attention, including: It was an open and constructive exchange with NVWA veterinarians about these … [Read more...] about Eyes on Animals presents to official NVWA veterinarians
Dutch truck carrying 306 Irish calves overturns in France – 105 calves dead
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
10-day field mission to Mongolia – improving slaughter practices and transport
Eyes on Animals conducted a field mission to Mongolia following an invitation from a Cambridge University researcher working in the country on animal and meat-related issues. As part of this visit, we were also a special guest speaker at a big conference in the capital, Ulaanbaatar, where we shared insights on slaughter practices and animal welfare. The aim of the mission … [Read more...] about 10-day field mission to Mongolia – improving slaughter practices and transport
Eyes on Animals speaks at WPSA seminar in Wageningen on catching and loading of poultry
Eyes on Animals spoke at a seminar of the World’s Poultry Science Association in Wageningen, sharing observations and experiences from the field on the catching and loading of poultry. In practice, most birds are still caught by one leg, pulled from the floor or housing system, and pushed or thrown into transport containers or crates while hanging upside down. This is … [Read more...] about Eyes on Animals speaks at WPSA seminar in Wageningen on catching and loading of poultry
VanDrie breaks promise on imports of Irish calves
The billion-euro veal company VanDrie Group is backing away from its firm promise to stop importing Irish calves from 2026 onwards. The company itself set this deadline following public outrage over the controversial and illegal calf transports. Now that the deadline has arrived, VanDrie is quietly continuing the imports. Every spring, VanDrie imports tens of thousands … [Read more...] about VanDrie breaks promise on imports of Irish calves
