This month, our team visits the animal markets seven times, including the annual horse fair in Skaryszew (see investigation report 12^th of March 2019). Despite the national Veterinary Inspection protest in Poland, the inspectors are present at the cattle market every time. Moreover, they organise joined controls with ITD (Road Transport Police)…

Our FAS team visits the farm in Wzdol to check on the infrastructure that can be accessed by farm animals in emergency cases. Polish municipalities are obligated by law to prepare such spots. The place is big enough to accommodate over a dozen farm animals. However, it needs cleaning and small renovations. Next, our farriers control the farm in…

We are hearing the verdict in the case of a bull with part of metal chain ingrown in his head, the one that we documented during cattle market in May 2018.As always in cases of abuse, we reported it to the Police. This time, two persons are accused: the previous owner who allowed the chain to grow into the bull’s head, and the trader who - against…

For the second time stakeholders and experts meet in Grange (DG SANTE) to discuss animal transport issues. The claims of our laywers against the EU Commission supported the focus projects on the agenda. In three working groups cattle exports, transport of unweaned calves and extreme temperatures are discussed. The platform was initiated to give…

The Ministry for Environment of the federal country of Hessen stopped with a decision animal exports to 14 third countries. The reason is concrete evidence of risks for the animals´ welfare during transport and slaughter. During the round table discussion, where we are participating, the industry is requested to provide evidence that the…

The TSB|AWF and Eyes on Animals (EonA) team returns for the 4^th time to Skaryszew to evaluate whether anything has changed at the annual horse market. Chances for a lasting change are higher with a new Mayor elected last autumn. In February, we were invited to give a training on legal requirements related to the market operation. The participants…

Our FAS team still treats the canker in one of the hooves of a mare in Brody. This is one of the most difficult and demanding cases in our work. We change the treatment method yet again, and additionally draw the hoof profile to prepare special horse shoes with a plate to hold the dressing. This will improve the protection of the fragile and…

After a big scandal in Poland related to selling meat of downer cattle (revealed at the end of January), there is much less animals at the Bodzentyn animal market. Sometimes we see only around 80 animals, some days there are more. We are told that the price of bovines is very low. Many animals are not sold and go back to the farms. Even Veterinary…

Our team observes the Bouvry slaughterhouse in Alberta during several investigation days in February 2019. The temperatures measured are as low as -22°C. Despite our numerous complaints in the past, the outdoor holding pens still offer no shelter from the elements. The backs of the horses are covered in snow and frost. The straw-bedded areas as…