Slaughterhouse Ryckaert closed down immediately

The Ryckaert slaughterhouse in Eeklo, East Flanders, must close its doors immediately. Flemish Minister of Animal Welfare Ben Weyts (N-VA) has decided on this after the Animal Welfare Inspectorate found various serious violations in the past year. "This hits home", says the slaughterhouse. "We did not expect that something like this could happen without the Animal Welfare Department notifying us."

Four official reports

There were four serious violations in just over a year. An official report was drawn up in December 2020, when it was discovered that pigs had been doused with hot water before being stunned. Another report, in March 2021, mentioned animals being severely beaten with a paddle and electric prods being used excessively. Some employees were also said not to have the required certificates. In December 2021, further offences were found, including the brutal treatment of animals. A new official report in January 2022 mentioned violence against animals, inadequate welfare conditions and errors during the slaughter procedure.

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