Eyes on Animals visited a big Dutch slaughterhouse to observe if drivers delivering the pigs took precautions to protect the pigs from the cold weather (1-2 degrees) today. We observed several drivers that had left almost all of the side shutters of their truck open when they arrived. This of course is far too cold for the pigs, especially with the wind chill when … [Read more...] about Inspection of pig trucks during cold weather
pigs
Visit of Zonvarken pig farm in De Heurne, NL
Today we visited the new pig barn built for the new concept "Zonvarkens" (sun pigs). This concept was developed by a group of pig farmers. The idea is to raise pigs whereby they have a good quality of life and can express their natural behaviour. They have room to move, access to the outdoors and fresh air, bedding to build nests and forage in, the sows will have a large … [Read more...] about Visit of Zonvarken pig farm in De Heurne, NL
Consultation with a trailer manufacturer and a climate specialist on cross-ventilated livestock trucks
Today we met with a Dutch livestock trailer manufacturer and a climate specialist about the welfare of pigs in cross-ventilated livestock trucks. These are enclosed livestock trucks that are mechanically ventilated. The consultation was prompted by our transport inspections during the summers of 2019 and 2020. Eyes on Animals measured the … [Read more...] about Consultation with a trailer manufacturer and a climate specialist on cross-ventilated livestock trucks
Eyes on Animals follow-up visit to pig slaughterhouse Van Rooi, NL
EonA again visited the Van Rooi pig slaughterhouse in Helmond during the first tropical day of this year. We were welcomed to come in and were able to see their adjustments to counteract heat stress. Under their parking garage, the entire ground floor had been kept empty where the livestock trucks could wait. So there was shade everywhere. A large misting system was … [Read more...] about Eyes on Animals follow-up visit to pig slaughterhouse Van Rooi, NL
Visiting slaughterhouse Vion Boxtel during heatwave
Today, while outside temperatures reached an average of 30℃, we visited pig slaughterhouse Vion Boxtel to assess the pigs being transported, the implementation of the Dutch heat protocol and how the animals are protected during their wait before slaughter. The heat protocol is activated when temperatures are expected to reach 27℃ or more for 4 consecutive days and … [Read more...] about Visiting slaughterhouse Vion Boxtel during heatwave
Visit to slaughterhouse Compaxo during heatwave, accompanied by media (NL)
Today, during one of the hottest days with an average temperature of 34℃, we visited the pig slaughterhouse Compaxo in Zevenaar to check on the pigs being transported and to observe the implementation of the Dutch heat protocol. The heat protocol goes into effect when temperatures are expected to reach 27℃ or more during 4 consecutive days. This protocol will be … [Read more...] about Visit to slaughterhouse Compaxo during heatwave, accompanied by media (NL)
Petition against heat stress delivered to ministry of LNV
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
Consultation with the sector about animal transport during the heat
Today, Eyes on Animals had a consultation with the sector (Central Organization for the Meat Sector (COV) and Livestock and Logistics) and the Dutch Society for the Protection of Animals about animal transport at summer temperatures. Eyes on Animals and the Dutch Society for the Protection of Animals want slaughterhouses to work with a tropical schedule. This … [Read more...] about Consultation with the sector about animal transport during the heat
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)
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
