Today we returned to Vion in Apeldoorn, where a few weeks ago, we witnessed trucks parked in the sun with increased waiting times of up to two hours. Vion Apeldoorn openly admitted that things had not been done right due to a lack of communication and planning. They let us know via email that following our visit, they will re-evaluate and/or talk with chain … [Read more...] about Visit to Vion in Apeldoorn on a warm day
live animal transports
Heat stress inspection at cattle slaughterhouse Ameco in Apeldoorn
Today, we made an unannounced visit to Ameco cattle slaughterhouse because of the extreme heat. When we arrived, we saw a truck with cows standing next to the car wash, mainly in the sun. The truck stood there for at least 40 minutes. This is not acceptable. We called Ameco, who immediately made time for us. Together we walked onto the property to have a look at … [Read more...] about Heat stress inspection at cattle slaughterhouse Ameco in Apeldoorn
Heat stress inspection at pig slaughterhouse Van Rooi in Helmond
This afternoon, we visited slaughterhouse Van Rooi in Helmond. Upon arrival we saw a truck parked in full sun on Van Rooi’s property loaded with pigs. Since this truck remained still and did not seem to be preparing to unload, we called Van Rooi. Van Rooi informed us that trucks are not allowed to park there. The driver was spoken to immediately and soon after, he was able … [Read more...] about Heat stress inspection at pig slaughterhouse Van Rooi in Helmond
Pigs suffering from heatstress on board stationary trucks parked at Vion slaughterhouse in Boxtel (NL)
Today Eyes on Animals visited Vion slaughterhouse in Boxtel. On July 18 we documented long waiting lines and pigs suffering severely from heat stress. We were hoping today the situation would have improved, but unfortunately it had not. Again, we documented pigs waiting on board stationary trucks, with an average time of 70 minutes, and … [Read more...] about Pigs suffering from heatstress on board stationary trucks parked at Vion slaughterhouse in Boxtel (NL)
Request for enforcement regarding long waiting periods in overheated trucks at VION slaughterhouses
Eyes on Animals has filed an enforcement request with the minister of farming, nature, and food safety about the long waiting times at Vion slaughterhouses in Boxtel and Apeldoorn. On the 18th and 19th of July (two extremely warm days) Eyes on Animals again observed long waiting times at the slaughterhouses. Waiting times increased up to 2-2,5 hours. During this time … [Read more...] about Request for enforcement regarding long waiting periods in overheated trucks at VION slaughterhouses
Unannounced heatstress inspections at pig slaughterhouse Westfort in IJsselstein
Today we visited pig slaughterhouse Westfort in IJsselstein. Thankfully, it was not as warm (approx. 25°C) as the previous day, as it was overcast and had just rained. We arrived late afternoon so only one truck was waiting. The truck stood under netting which provided shade along both the top and one side of the truck, with fans and misting systems using cool water. These … [Read more...] about Unannounced heatstress inspections at pig slaughterhouse Westfort in IJsselstein
Heatstress-inspections at pig slaughterhouse VION in Apeldoorn (NL)
Today we made an unannounced visit to a pig slaughterhouse owned by VION in Apeldoorn in connection with the extreme hot weather. VION immediately made time to show us around. We checked the condition of the pigs (inside the trucks, under the canopy and whilst unloading) and measured the temperatures. The canopy was constructed in 2021, following our advice. Prior to that … [Read more...] about Heatstress-inspections at pig slaughterhouse VION in Apeldoorn (NL)
Considerable media attention for our heat stress inspections
Last week, we carried out inspections at several slaughterhouses during the days with high temperatures. On those days the 'heat protocol' is in effect and we wanted to see if this was in fact implemented correctly. We found various livestock trucks and slaughterhouses that were following the protocol, but unfortunately there were also instances where this was not the … [Read more...] about Considerable media attention for our heat stress inspections
Hens from “Eike” sadly continued to be caught upside down by the legs
Early 2021 Smits - source of energy, the producer of Eike eggs which are sold at Sligro, had informed us that they would like to have their spent laying hens caught upright. This involved a total of 40,000 chickens. These hens were to be caught and loaded mid-2022, supervised by a team from Eyes on Animals. Unfortunately, Eike informed us that they … [Read more...] about Hens from “Eike” sadly continued to be caught upside down by the legs
19.-20.05. Van Ravenhorst and Willems abattoir win prize at our Better Practice Conference
A prize has been handed out to the company that implemented a better practice and on which the audience voted as being the most impactful initiative to reduce suffering and stress during transport or slaughter. The company that won the 'better practice prize for transport', is van Ravenhorst. They invented a poultry truck with an air cooling system, which reduces heat … [Read more...] about 19.-20.05. Van Ravenhorst and Willems abattoir win prize at our Better Practice Conference
