On our way to an investigation we came across a small flock of sheep in a field, with several new-born lambs of just a few days of age. The farmer greeted us and spoke about his sheep with admiration. They had an indoor area and a large outdoor field. One could tell that the animals were well-treated because they did not show any fright towards the farmer, if anything they … [Read more...] about Checking on new- born lambs in the Netherlands
Our inspections
Inspection of a Dutch slaughterhouse
Eyes on Animals inspected Thomassen Slachthuis in Someren, a medium-sized Dutch slaughterhouse which slaughters cattle and pigs. Upon arriving, cattle from Belgium were being unloaded. They were all fit for transport. As in all slaughterhouses we have visited so far, there was again a pen devoted to placing sick animals. Inside was a lone pig, paralyzed from her waist … [Read more...] about Inspection of a Dutch slaughterhouse
Inspection of a “slaughter” horse market in Belgium
Eyes on Animals inspectors inspected a private weekly livestock market near Brugge in Belgium. Today 78 "slaughter" horses were for sale. Together with the director we checked on the condition of the horses. All animals were in very good shape. The floor of the market was recently redone so that it is now non-slip, reducing the chances of animals falling and hurting … [Read more...] about Inspection of a “slaughter” horse market in Belgium
Inspection of the welfare of hens at a free-range farm in Belgium
There is a big debate whether hens on free-range farms are really better off than hens in cages. Many people within the egg industry, and even a few scientists, claim that hens in cages are better because they are protected from predators, from disease, from collecting mud balls on their feet and eventually not being able to walk anymore and from attacks by others in a … [Read more...] about Inspection of the welfare of hens at a free-range farm in Belgium
Concern at a small pig slaughterhouse in NL
Eyes on Animals inspected the small pig slaughterhouse Van Kemenade in Asten, the Netherlands. The director was open to a discussion about animal welfare and we thank him for this. However, upon touring the slaughter area we observed a staff member kicking a pig and another serious welfare problem and immediately drew his attention to it. We will stay in contact with … [Read more...] about Concern at a small pig slaughterhouse in NL