At the annual Easter cattle market in Schagen last year, the double-muscled cattle and calves were cleaned using a high-pressure washer. With the outside temperatures around freezing adult cattle, as well as young calves, were subjected to this unacceptable method of cleaning. Their suffering was painfully obvious: shivering, signs of stress and futile attempts to get away from the water. The high-pressure washers sprayed the water with a pressure between 120-175 bar!
Eyes on Animals filed a complaint with the organization and management of the Easter cattle market as well as with the NVWA (The Dutch food and consumer product safety authority) responsible for the animal welfare.
This year we returned and the situation had improved greatly:
- The pressure of the washers was much lower, 30 and 50 bar;
- The nozzles were replaced by a more misting version and the water was lukewarm;
- We saw much less stress with the animals being sprayed;
- The animals were quickly dried and provided with a protective covering to prevent cold stress.
Compliments to the organization of this market, for the fact that they have taken action following our complaint.
