The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) had to intervene last Thursday at a dairy farm in Drenthe. During a re-inspection at the livestock farm, the inspectors found eight cattle and a calf in very poor health.
The vet turned out to be unable to do anything for these animals, after which they were euthanized. The livestock farmer is prosecuted under both administrative and criminal law.
The NVWA does not report where in Drenthe the company is located.
On August 3, NVWA inspectors visited the company after an anonymous report. During the inspection, it was found that there were crippled animals that were not given proper care. The inspectors also found unhygienic stables and the housing was not in order. There were sharp and protruding parts where the animals could injure themselves.
After the first inspection, measures were imposed on the farmer and he was given time to improve the situation.
The re-inspection on August 24 showed that a number of issues had been resolved, but that the situation had not improved for a number of animals. Eight cattle and a calf were in such bad shape that the vet decided to kill them.
The farmer was negligent and should have called in the vet sooner, the inspectorate says. Cattle will still remain on the farm, because there is currently no reason to take these animals with you. These animals have been examined and assessed by the veterinarian. Some of those animals have received medical attention and inspectors continue to closely monitor the dairy farm.
The NVWA finds the situation at this livestock farmer worrying. That is why a report has been made to the police and the municipality for social care towards the livestock farmer.