In reaction to our yearly investigative reports and letters of complaint regarding Irish exports of unweaned calves to mainland Europe, the Irish authorities asked to virtually meet with us finally. Together with representatives from Ethical Farming Ireland, CIWF UK, ISPCA and the Swedish Association for the Protection of Animals we spoke about the long distance journeys … [Read more...] about Virtual Meeting with Irish authorities from DAFM about calf exports
transport
Meeting with Stena Ferries about the unweaned calves they accept on board from Rosslare (IRE) to the Cherbourg (FR)
Today Eyes on Animals and the Swedish Association for the Protection of Animals met virtually with representatives from Stena Line in Sweden and the UK. At the meeting we handed over a petition with 22,882 signatures to Stena Line, that appeals to the ferry company to stop transporting livestock/young calves onboard their ferries from Ireland to France. Eyes on … [Read more...] about Meeting with Stena Ferries about the unweaned calves they accept on board from Rosslare (IRE) to the Cherbourg (FR)
Consultation with a trailer manufacturer and a climate specialist on cross-ventilated livestock trucks
Today we met with a Dutch livestock trailer manufacturer and a climate specialist about the welfare of pigs in cross-ventilated livestock trucks. These are enclosed livestock trucks that are mechanically ventilated. The consultation was prompted by our transport inspections during the summers of 2019 and 2020. Eyes on Animals measured the … [Read more...] about Consultation with a trailer manufacturer and a climate specialist on cross-ventilated livestock trucks
Inspection calf transports in Zuid-Holland
Today Eyes on Animals performed inspections of livestock trucks on a parking lot in Zuid-Holland. Drivers regularly wait here until they can unload the animals at the slaughterhouse nearby. We arrived around noon when the outside temperature was about 26C. There was enough shade for the cattle trucks due to high trees at the edge of the parking lot. There were … [Read more...] about Inspection calf transports in Zuid-Holland
Observations during catching and loading of broilers at Grefte in Zieuwent
Today we observed the catching and loading of broilers at Grefte poultry farm in Zieuwent. Jeroen van den Hurk, poultry sector manager at Rabobank, invited us to join Paul Grefte, owner of an innovative broiler farm. Paul wanted to show us a number of innovations on his farm. In order to reduce heat stress in broilers, they were loaded in the evening and at night. … [Read more...] about Observations during catching and loading of broilers at Grefte in Zieuwent