In the northern Netherlands, we teamed up with veterinarian and calf feeding expert Dr. Ronald Rongen to tackle a persistent myth in the cattle sector: that feeding milk to calves in transit causes diarrhea. Most Dutch calf traders and farmers think that giving milk to unweaned calves in transit causes diarrhea, and thus withhold milk for very long periods. … [Read more...] about Debunking the myth: milk during transit does not cause diarrhea in calves
live animal transports
Dutch transport company Van Os implicated in serious transport fraud involving Irish calves
Once again, serious violations have been uncovered in the transport of calves from Ireland. Last Sunday, May 4, a driver from the Dutch transport company Van Os, was arrested by the Catalan police (Mossos d'Esquadra) in the Spanish province of Girona. He was transporting dozens of unweaned calves from Ireland to a farm near Barcelona—a journey spanning several … [Read more...] about Dutch transport company Van Os implicated in serious transport fraud involving Irish calves
Feeding intervals continue to be violated during import of unweaned Irish calves
Despite clear EU regulations designed to protect unweaned calves from starvation during long journeys, investigations by Eyes on Animals (EonA) and Ethical Farming Ireland (EFI) reveal that these rules continue to be ignored—resulting in Irish calves enduring extremely long journeys without being fed milk. On May 3, Eyes on Animals (EonA) followed a transport truck … [Read more...] about Feeding intervals continue to be violated during import of unweaned Irish calves
Welfare concerns at yearly cattle market in Schagen (NL)
Once again, this year’s Easter cattle market in Schagen (NL) raised serious concerns about animal-welfare. Many animals exhibited clear signs of cold stress and fear. Several cattle slipped and fell while being sprayed with water—an experience that is both painful and terrifying for prey animals like cattle, who instinctively fear being on the ground, where they feel most … [Read more...] about Welfare concerns at yearly cattle market in Schagen (NL)
Visit to Leeuwarden livestock market: improvements visible, some concerns remain
On 19 March, we paid an unannounced visit to the cattle market in Leeuwarden. The market management immediately made time to show us around. The market appeared well organised: all cattle were housed in groups (except for the bulls), there was plenty of clean straw, the air was fresh, and water was available in every pen. Compared to a few years ago, the condition of … [Read more...] about Visit to Leeuwarden livestock market: improvements visible, some concerns remain
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)
No more goat-kids slaughtered at just 7 days old
As of January 1, 2025, goat kids can no longer be slaughtered before they are at least two weeks old. Many of them are now fattened for 3 to 5 weeks and receive slightly better care. This change was largely driven by the efforts of Eyes on Animals, which brought attention to the transport of very young goat kids in the media and political arena. As a result, … [Read more...] about No more goat-kids slaughtered at just 7 days old
EonA talks at European Parliament in Brussels
Today we gave a talk at the European Parliament. We were invited by MEPs Anja Hazekamp and Sebastien Everding. We presented the new film about how sheep and cattle are transported on very difficult and long journeys from all over Europe by truck and vessel to slaughterhouses in third countries far away, such as Turkey, Jordan, Egypt, Libya, Lebanon and Morocco. This … [Read more...] about EonA talks at European Parliament in Brussels
