This week we, together with the Dierenbescherming (Dutch Animal Protection Agency), delivered the petition ‘Don’t let us suffocate’ to the director of Animal Agrochains and Animal Welfare at the ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV), Lieke Hendrix. The petition was signed 43.788 times, for which we would like to thank all signatories! For many years … [Read more...] about Petition against heat stress delivered to ministry of LNV
pig slaughterhouse
Olymel pig slaughterhouse, Saint-Esprit, Quebec, Canada
This afternoon we wanted to check on the welfare of pigs being transported to Olymel slaughterhouse in Saint-Esprit. We had heard from a couple of truck drivers that when they have a technical failure, the trucks arriving with pigs are forced to just wait, for hours and hours regardless if the temperatures outside are freezing cold or very hot. Their lairage is not big … [Read more...] about Olymel pig slaughterhouse, Saint-Esprit, Quebec, Canada
Visit of Pali pig slaughterhouse, Geldrop (NL)
Today we inspected Pali pig slaughterhouse. We were here during the heat wave last summer to see if there was a long line-up or not. We were pleased to see that pigs did not have to wait long before being unloaded, mostly because Pali runs their own logistics and trucks, and thus can coordinate arrival times easily. Today we were asked to come back to check on the entire … [Read more...] about Visit of Pali pig slaughterhouse, Geldrop (NL)
Animal-welfare workshop for pig butchers at UDS campus slaughterhouse, Tamale, Ghana
Today we gave a training in humane handling to pig butchers in the region of Tamale. It was held at the UDS campus abattoir. Last year we had given a training here too, to agricultural students and the slaughter-men of this abattoir. Since we donated a captive bolt pistol and cartridges to them last year, all animals are being stunned before slaughter at UDS, instead of … [Read more...] about Animal-welfare workshop for pig butchers at UDS campus slaughterhouse, Tamale, Ghana
Meeting with industry about “National plan extreme temperatures”
Today Eyes on Animals attended a meeting with stakeholders from the livestock industry (Vee&Logistiek and COV) about the “National plan extreme temperatures”, also called the ‘heat protocol’ which has been developed by the industry. The Dierenbescherming (Dutch Society for the Protection of Animals) was also present. Eyes on Animals requested the meeting after they … [Read more...] about Meeting with industry about “National plan extreme temperatures”
Slaughterhouse VION Boxtel fails to prevent pigs suffering from heat stress
During the July heat wave, Eyes on Animals visited various slaughterhouses in The Netherlands. At many of the slaughterhouses, we saw pigs with (severe) heat stress. The problems at VION Boxtel, one of the biggest pig slaughterhouses in the Netherlands, were the most severe. There were no fewer than 8 loaded pig trucks waiting in front of the slaughterhouse. Another 5 … [Read more...] about Slaughterhouse VION Boxtel fails to prevent pigs suffering from heat stress
Visit to pig slaughterhouse Pali in Geldrop (NL)
Today we made an unannounced visit to the Pali pig slaughterhouse in Geldrop. When we arrived (13:45) there was no activity. The manager told us that because of the extreme heat all the pigs had already been taken inside before 12 noon. He explained that their pig trucks never have to wait outside the plant. Pali has their own transporters (no external transport companies) … [Read more...] about Visit to pig slaughterhouse Pali in Geldrop (NL)
Visit to pig slaughterhouse Van Rooi
Today we made an unannounced visit to pig slaughterhouse Van Rooi in Helmond (NL) due to the recent extreme summer heat. We arrived around 12 noon, when the outside temperature had already reached 37 degrees Celsius in the sun and 33.5 degrees Celsius in the shade. Because the temperature in the shade is below 35 degrees Celsius the industries ‘heat protocol still allows … [Read more...] about Visit to pig slaughterhouse Van Rooi
Visit to Compaxo pig slaughterhouse in Zevenaar (NL)
Today we inspected Compaxo, a pig slaughterhouse in Zevenaar. Outside temperatures are 33 degrees Celsius in the shade and 37 degrees Celsius in the sun. Because the temperature is above 27 degrees Celsius the industry’s heat protocol is active. We are welcomed by two managers from Compaxo. They explain to us that the arrival of pigs is staggered over the course of the … [Read more...] about Visit to Compaxo pig slaughterhouse in Zevenaar (NL)
Visit to pig slaughterhouse VION in Boxtel during the heatwave
Because of the extreme heat we made an unannounced visit to slaughterhouse VION in Boxtel today. On arrival (10:45, 38 degrees Celsius) there were no less than 8 loaded pig trucks waiting in front of the slaughterhouse. The trucks were parked in direct sunlight. There were a few small fans and the asphalt was sprayed with water, however, these measures were inadequate to … [Read more...] about Visit to pig slaughterhouse VION in Boxtel during the heatwave
