Van Rooi pig slaughterhouse has implemented several changes following the advice of Eyes on Animals. A large part of the automatic push gates (that lead the pigs to the co2 stunner) were removed and replaced by quiet staff. This has significantly reduced stress levels amongst the pigs. They walked more calmly and stress behavior, such as jumping on top of each … [Read more...] about Stress level at Van Rooi pig slaughterhouse reduced (NL)
pig slaughterhouse
Follow-up inspection of Gosschalk slaughterhouse, NL
Today Eyes on Animals was again at Gosschalk, a Dutch slaughterhouse that had had many serious welfare issues caught on tape and exposed last year by Varkens in Nood. We were hesitant to respond to Gosschalks' request for help at first but decided to test them out to see how serious they were about really reducing animal stress and pain. Several months after our first … [Read more...] about Follow-up inspection of Gosschalk slaughterhouse, NL
Visit to Van Rooi slaughterhouse (NL) after animal welfare improvements
Today Eyes on Animals visited Van Rooi slaughterhouse in Helmond (NL) where several improvements were implemented following our advice. A large section of the automatic push gates (that lead the pigs to the CO2 stunner) were removed and replaced by calm workers. This has significantly reduced stress levels amongst the pigs. The pigs now walk more calmly and their … [Read more...] about Visit to Van Rooi slaughterhouse (NL) after animal welfare improvements
Slaughterhouse Henk Worst shows no interest in a visit from Eyes on Animals
Early this year we approached slaughterhouse Henk Worst with the request to visit their operation. Despite several attempts (via email and phone), we have not received a reaction from them to date. Our conclusion, unfortunately, is that they are not open to our visit and advice. Eyes on Animals is contacted on a regular basis by small scale, animal friendly … [Read more...] about Slaughterhouse Henk Worst shows no interest in a visit from Eyes on Animals
Inspection of Feenstra pig slaughterhouse and slaughter of Zonvarken’s pigs there
Today we visited Feenstra, a non-intensive slaughterhouse (20 pigs per hour) in The Netherlands with Beter Leven Keurmerk. We went today because the pigs from the new pig meat company "Zonvarken" were going to be slaughtered. We had advised Zonvarkens on what they could do to limit fear and pain during transport and slaughter of their animals. One of our suggestions was to … [Read more...] about Inspection of Feenstra pig slaughterhouse and slaughter of Zonvarken’s pigs there
Inspection of Westfort sow and boar slaughterhouse in Gorinchem, NL
Today a team visited Westfort slaughterhouse in Gorinchem. This plant slaughters culled adult sows and boars, that were used for breeding. We were told that we are always welcome to visit and even just show up. This level of transparency is very positive. The employees at this plant, just like at the other Westfort plant in IJsselstein, are thoroughly trained and receive a … [Read more...] about Inspection of Westfort sow and boar slaughterhouse in Gorinchem, NL
Visit to export assembly-center Ketelaars in Heeswijk-Dinther (NL)
Today we paid a visit to Ketelaars assembly-center in Heeswijk-Dinther (NL). This company gathers sows for slaughterhouses domestic and abroad, including VION. The owner made time to talk to us about the new EU guidelines and gave us a short tour of the facility. At the time of our visit only 15 sows were present, confined in a pen without any bedding. … [Read more...] about Visit to export assembly-center Ketelaars in Heeswijk-Dinther (NL)
Visit to export assembly center Van den Boogaart in Veghel
Today, by appointment, we visited the export assembly center Van den Boogaart in Veghel. About 80 sows and several hundred piglets were gathered by PALI Group. The moving and loading of the sows went very well. The sows were not chased but were given the time to walk. In the raceway there were woodchips for a non-skid effect, and to reduce sharp colour contrasts … [Read more...] about Visit to export assembly center Van den Boogaart in Veghel
Visit to pig collecting centre in connection with dispute with NVWA (Dutch authorities)
Tonight Eyes on Animals received a call from the owner of a Dutch pig export assembly centre. He was stuck with a big delivery of piglets. The owner told us the pigs were due to be exported to a German slaughterhouse, but the official governmental veterinarians (from the NVWA) left without signing the export certificate, resulting in the piglets having to remain at his … [Read more...] about Visit to pig collecting centre in connection with dispute with NVWA (Dutch authorities)
Odin consciously chooses small scale pig slaughterhouse Thönes Naturverbund
Organic Supermarket chain ‘Odin’ has decided that from now on their pigs will be slaughtered at Thönes Naturverbund in Germany, because of the low slaughter speed and calmer treatment of pigs. In 2015 Eyes on Animals visited Thönes Naturverbund and we shared our positive findings via a website-article and film. Thönes Naturverbund has … [Read more...] about Odin consciously chooses small scale pig slaughterhouse Thönes Naturverbund
