Today Eyes on Animals met with representatives from the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, sausage company Brandt & Levie, Varkens in Nood (Pigs in Peril) and organic pig farmer Kees Scheepens to discuss how we can help the organic pig sector find a path towards a future where castration is phased out. Kees Scheepens and one other Dutch organic pig farmer, Gideon … [Read more...] about Meeting with Ministry, VIN and Brandt & Levie about pig castration
Our inspections
Visit to Van der Linden poultry slaughterhouse in Beringe (NL)
Today we paid an announced visit to Van der Linden poultry slaughterhouse. Van der Linden took time out of their busy schedule to show us the process from beginning to end, and to answer all our questions. In the lairage, big fans with water-misters had been fitted on the ceiling. There were also fans on the floor. The water-misters help cool the air. However, in … [Read more...] about Visit to Van der Linden poultry slaughterhouse in Beringe (NL)
Visit to Westfort pig slaughterhouse in IJsselstein during extreme heat
Aufgrund der extremen Hitze besuchten wir heute den Schweineschlachthof Westfort in IJsselstein (NL). Die Wartezeiten zu Beginn des Tages (11:00-13:30) betrugen 20-25 Minuten. Das ist nicht schlecht für einen so großen Schlachthof. Die Lastwagen konnten innerhalb weniger Minuten nach ihrer Ankunft unter dem Vordach (Schattennetz) stehen. Unter der Überdachung befinden sich … [Read more...] about Visit to Westfort pig slaughterhouse in IJsselstein during extreme heat
Visit to Vion slaughterhouse in Boxtel during extreme hot weather
Today Eyes on Animals revisited Vion pig-slaughterhouse in Boxtel (NL) because of the extreme hot weather (30-33°C). When we arrived a few minutes before 4:00 pm the property was empty. The delivery of pigs had stopped. Even though we think a transport-stop during this hot weather (>30°C) should be standard practice, we are happy to see this in action. During our last … [Read more...] about Visit to Vion slaughterhouse in Boxtel during extreme hot weather
Heat stress inspections at Van Miert poultry slaughterhouse in Breukelen
Today we visited Van Miert poultry slaughterhouse in Breukelen (NL). When we arrived, we saw a poultry truck parked in full sun. Six fans were placed alongside the truck, whilst one employee sprayed water on the road surface underneath the truck. Even though this helps to cool the birds down, it is not enough during this extreme heat (32°C, 40% RH).Because Van Miert was … [Read more...] about Heat stress inspections at Van Miert poultry slaughterhouse in Breukelen