Today we returned to Vion in Apeldoorn, where a few weeks ago, we witnessed trucks parked in the sun with increased waiting times of up to two hours. Vion Apeldoorn openly admitted that things had not been done right due to a lack of communication and planning. They let us know via email that following our visit, they will re-evaluate and/or talk with chain partners about a number of issues. For example, the number and size of fans under the canopy, our concerns about certain types of trucks where pigs appear to suffer more heat stress, as well as giving the pigs water whilst onboard stationary trucks.
They have also started building an awning above the unloading dock. This prevents the sun from shining into the trucks and blinding the pigs. The awning is too short however to offer relief from heatstress (as a truck does not fully fit under it).
Today we did not see any trucks parked in the sun, things moved more smoothly and in the afternoon no more trucks arrived on site. We are cautiously optimistic and will of course keep monitoring closely.
