Eyes on Animals conducted an unannounced visit to Leeuwarden cull-cow and bull market yesterday, in the Netherlands. We have been working at this market for years, ever since we saw downers being dragged onto trucks there 15 years ago and animals tethered tightly onto railings, unable to lie down. It is much better now and recently they moved to a new location, where they … [Read more...] about Visit to Leeuwarden cull-cow market, NL
animal welfare inspection
Visiting slaughterhouses to check on implementation of heat stress measures
Today, Eyes on Animals visited several slaughterhouses to see to what extent they have taken measures to prevent heat stress. VION's pig slaughterhouse in Apeldoorn built a canopy to allow trucks to wait in the shade. VION will extend this canopy to allow more space between the trucks and improve ventilation. Additional (small) fans have also been … [Read more...] about Visiting slaughterhouses to check on implementation of heat stress measures
Inspections of poultry trucks for heat stress
Today, Eyes on Animals visited a parking lot where poultry trucks are frequently parked waiting for Clazing slaughterhouse. Due to the warm weather (around 29°C), we documented the waiting times of the trucks. Long waiting times are undesirable because temperatures rise very quickly in a stationary truck. This puts the chickens at great risk for heat … [Read more...] about Inspections of poultry trucks for heat stress
Visit of Zonvarken pig farm in De Heurne, NL
Today we visited the new pig barn built for the new concept "Zonvarkens" (sun pigs). This concept was developed by a group of pig farmers. The idea is to raise pigs whereby they have a good quality of life and can express their natural behaviour. They have room to move, access to the outdoors and fresh air, bedding to build nests and forage in, the sows will have a large … [Read more...] about Visit of Zonvarken pig farm in De Heurne, NL
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