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
live animal transports
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
Training the trainers – Eyes on Animals equips Tierschutzbund team with humane handling techniques
Today, Madelaine from Eyes on Animals provided a training session to the poultry team of the German animal welfare organization Deutscher Tierschutzbund on the humane handling of laying hens and broilers during catching and loading. The training covered essential factors to keep birds as calm as possible and minimize injuries. Topics included bird behavior, … [Read more...] about Training the trainers – Eyes on Animals equips Tierschutzbund team with humane handling techniques
Say no to long-distance transport of young piglets: transport meat, not live animals
By: Marjolein van Huik, Senior Policy Officer Livestock Farming at The Dutch Society for the Protection of Animals, Madelaine Looije, Inspector at Eyes on Animals What happens to piglets deemed unsuitable for raising as finisher pigs? Tragically, these animals are not only sent to slaughter at a very young age but must also endure long and stressful journeys to get … [Read more...] about Say no to long-distance transport of young piglets: transport meat, not live animals
Presentation to the German Veterinary Association (TVT) on poultry transport
This past weekend, Eyes on Animals gave a presentation to the (poultry) transport working group of the German Veterinary Association (TVT). The enforcement policy of the NVWA regarding catching injuries was a hot topic! In the Netherlands, both the poultry farmer and the catching team are fined if more than 1% of the flock shows catching injuries (severe bleedings). This … [Read more...] about Presentation to the German Veterinary Association (TVT) on poultry transport
Romanian cattle stuck 2 weeks inside No Man’s Land at EU/Turkey border
Forty-seven breeding heifers from Romania were stuck at the EU/Turkish border since 18 October. Despite Animals' Angels & AWF doing their very best by repeatedly contacting the EU and Turkish authorities, plus the buyer, seller and transporter, these animals were left for 2 weeks in No Man's Land while conditions for them on board got worse and worse. In total 6 cattle … [Read more...] about Romanian cattle stuck 2 weeks inside No Man’s Land at EU/Turkey border
RTE Prime Time: Irish calves mistreated for export
On October 8, 2024, the Irish investigative program RTE Prime Time aired a shocking documentary about the export of Irish calves, responding to findings from Eyes on Animals, Ethical Farming Ireland, L214, and Dier&Recht. The documentary reveals various violations: calves are deprived of milk for extended periods, are mistreated at the Irish assembly center in Kerry, … [Read more...] about RTE Prime Time: Irish calves mistreated for export
