Early this morning we drove 60 km south-west of Gdansk to the village of Stezyca. The representatives of ITD, veterinary inspection and the police that participated in our theoretical course yesterday are already there. As soon as we get out of the car, our team member spots the first animal truck, which is immediately stopped for inspection.
All in all, during a very rainy and cold morning, eight Polish-licenced livestock trucks are stopped: two are empty, one with broiler-chickens heading to a slaughterhouse, one with pigs for slaughter, and four with cattle. Two drivers were fined for causing animal suffering or risking injury to the animals. And in two other cases veterinary inspectors will begin proceedings against the company.
The poultry in particular were in a very poor state. There was little protection against the cold wind and rain- most of the birds in the outter crates were wet and shivering. Additionally, many of the crates were broken, risking birds being crushed under the weight of crates stacked above, and many birds risked falling onto the road from the top because the crate doors were missing. The company has been ordered to replace all their broken crates and get proper tarps.
The highlight of the day was the effective cooperation between the representatives of the different authorities, giving hope for efficient joint inspections in the future. Putting the law into practice for better animal-welfare and a level playing field! Thank you once again to Dr. Rabtisch and David Chalimoniuk for their invaluable input and for taking excellent photos.