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
live animal transports
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
19.-20.05.2022: EonA hosts a Better Practice Conference for 100 people from the transport and slaughter industry
EonA has hosted a successful conference for 100 people from the animal transport and slaughter industry. The name of the conference was "Embracing Better Practices during Animal Transport and Slaughter - taking responsibility and showing respect and reciprocity towards animals". Companies from Europe and abroad had registered, to explain their better practices, to network, … [Read more...] about 19.-20.05.2022: EonA hosts a Better Practice Conference for 100 people from the transport and slaughter industry
EonA report ‘Welfare goat-kids’ used for policy making
In a recent letter the Dutch minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, Henk Staghouwer, has informed the parliament that the report of Eyes on Animals, ‘The welfare of male goat-kids’, has been used to make policy. He writes that several recommendations have already been put into practice: The I&R (Identification & Registration) requirements … [Read more...] about EonA report ‘Welfare goat-kids’ used for policy making
Pali Group stops with transport of very young male kids
Livestock company and meat producer Pali Group has informed us that they will no longer transport male goat-kids of only 7-10 days old to slaughterhouses. Their affiliated dairy-goat producers will now fatten their male kids for at least a couple of weeks on the farm. Once the male kids are transported they are stronger and a little less dependent on milk. In the … [Read more...] about Pali Group stops with transport of very young male kids
Meeting with Irish calf importers Van Drie and Pali
Today Eyes on Animals met with Van Drie and Pali regarding the calves they import from Ireland. During the transportation of unweaned calves, from Ireland to the Netherlands, legislation concerning feeding is repeatedly violated. Unweaned calves, 2-3 weeks old are being given milk only once during a 50 hour journey. Legally, these calves are supposed to be given milk after … [Read more...] about Meeting with Irish calf importers Van Drie and Pali
Newly released EonA/EFI report show 2 – 4 week old Irish calves in transit for 50 hours and only fed once
Eyes on Animals, Ethical Farming Ireland and MEP Anja Hazekamp recently undertook an investigation into unweaned calf export from Ireland to the mainland (the Netherlands followed by Spain being the biggest importers of unweaned calves from Ireland). We focused on the first stage of the journey for the calves when they leave the farm in Ireland and head to … [Read more...] about Newly released EonA/EFI report show 2 – 4 week old Irish calves in transit for 50 hours and only fed once
