News article | 03-02-2026 | 11:58
The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) imposes fines on six duck farms and two catching companies because of the rough catching of ducks. The fines range from €1,500 to €4,500 per company. The catching companies receive the highest fines because they were repeatedly in violation. The basis for the fines are undercover images that the NVWA received between August 2024 and January 2025.
Photo for illustration
The undercover images were made by the animal‑welfare organisation Animal Rights. The NVWA examined the footage and, as a result, decided to take enforcement action. The NVWA concludes that ducks suffered unnecessarily due to the rough manner in which they were caught and subsequently placed in crates. For example, some animals had their heads trapped for an extended period.
Companies responsible
The NVWA also carried out unannounced inspections at duck farms during the catching and loading of ducks. No violations were observed during these inspections.
NVWA Division Head of Inspection Jan Willem van der Ham explains: "When we are present, the catching and loading are carried out carefully. However, we are often not present. And the footage shows that, in our absence, it can be very careless and rough. We hold the concerned companies heavily accountable. That is why we not only impose fines. We have also had thorough discussions with the companies involved. Animal welfare must always be assured, whether we are there or not. This remains the responsibility of the companies themselves."
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