Each year tens of thousands of Irish calves, exported to Dutch veal farms, are transported via control posts in Couville and Tollevast, Cherbourg. Here the calves have to be fed and rested for 12 hours, as required by Council Regulation 1/2005. Footage taken in March 2023 at Pignet control post in Couville reveals that the treatment of the calves is horrendous. The … [Read more...] about Violence against young calves at Pignet control post
live animal transports
Calves not given any milk for over 30 hours
Investigations by Eyes on Animals, Ethical Farming Ireland and L214 reveal that young calves, imported from Ireland, are still kept on board of trucks for over 30 hours without giving them any milk. Not feeding unweaned calves for such a long period is in violation of Council Regulation 1/2005 which requires feeding after a maximum of 19 hours. Unweaned calves, … [Read more...] about Calves not given any milk for over 30 hours
Visit to Livestock trader and transport company Venneker
Today, we paid a visit to Venneker in Germany to brainstorm animal welfare improvements in pig transportation. Venneker's latest trucks are equipped with sprinklers and 60 fans to reduce heat stress. They also have smart cameras above the loading ramp. Currently, these cameras are primarily used for pig counting, but in the future, they could also be utilized for animal … [Read more...] about Visit to Livestock trader and transport company Venneker
Panic and injuries during the loading of hens into transport containers
Eyes on Animals is very concerned about the use of transport-containers for spent hens. In various countries, we have witnessed how spent hens are loaded into these containers. The problems were the same everywhere: the container-drawers are too low and too wide. The hens (which are taller than the drawers) have to be literally pushed and folded into them. Due to the panic … [Read more...] about Panic and injuries during the loading of hens into transport containers
Fourth meeting with “calf-welfare group” to advise Flemish Minister of Animal Welfare
Today, Dr. Ronald Rongen participated on behalf of Eyes on Animals in the fourth meeting of the Calf-Welfare Working Group in Brussels, as part of advising the Flemish Council for Animal Welfare. Improving calf-welfare has an impact on the entire chain. The participants and representatives of the veal sector in this group are well-aware of this. Pro and con arguments are … [Read more...] about Fourth meeting with “calf-welfare group” to advise Flemish Minister of Animal Welfare
Tomassen Duck-To no interest in improving catching method for ducks
When ducks are taken to slaughter, they are grabbed and lifted by their heads/necks, several at a time and thrown into the drawers of transport-modules. This practice was filmed a few years ago by an undercover employee of the organization ‘Animal Rights’. Eyes on Animals despises the brutal way ducks are caught and loaded, and this cruel practice continues today. We are … [Read more...] about Tomassen Duck-To no interest in improving catching method for ducks
Presentation to NVWA on catching and loading chickens
Today, we gave our “chicken-catching training” to a team from the Dutch Food and Safety Authority (NVWA). We shared our concerns about the design of transport crates and containers currently being used. The design of both containers and crates are vital for limiting the amount of injuries and collisions, and help make catching less … [Read more...] about Presentation to NVWA on catching and loading chickens
Third meeting with calf-welfare group that advises Flemish Minister of Animal Welfare (BE)
Cattle behaviour expert and veterinarian Ronald Rongen, on behalf of Eyes on Animals, participated in the third meeting of the Calf Welfare Group in Brussels. Together with a team of specialists on calf farming and animal welfare, the current and future possibilities in calf farming were further analysed and discussed. In an open dialogue, all options available regarding … [Read more...] about Third meeting with calf-welfare group that advises Flemish Minister of Animal Welfare (BE)
Appeal against decision of NVWA concerning wounded sows at Lunteren pig assembly centre
On March 8th, 2021 we found a truck parked at Lunteren assembly centre with two seriously injured sows onboard. We filed an enforcement request with the NVWA, but this was denied due to “lack of evidence”. Our objections against this decision were declared unfounded. The NVWA advised that the veterinarian on duty that day, did not see the sows. Also, according to the … [Read more...] about Appeal against decision of NVWA concerning wounded sows at Lunteren pig assembly centre
Leeuwarden (NL) animal market has good facilities
Eyes on Animals is not a fan of livestock markets, as this stopover adds to the stress of animals in transit from farm to slaughter. However, we must admit that Leeuwarden animal market has at least invested in very good facilities, much better than other markets we have inspected. All animals are loosely housed in pens and never tethered. The entire floor is covered in … [Read more...] about Leeuwarden (NL) animal market has good facilities
