Dozens of animal rights activists from France and Germany forced their way into four slaughterhouses in the Netherlands in the early hours of Monday, stopping them from operating.
A French group known as 269 Libération Animale has claimed responsibility for the protests, which have also affected some six abattoirs in France, the AD reported.
The campaigners targeted three abattoirs belonging to the VanDrie group in Apeldoorn, which processes veal mainly for the French market, the AD said. Another abattoir in Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel was also targeted.
The group chained themselves to machinery and conveyor belts and blocked the entrances to the complexes. Around 40 activists have since been arrested, Omroep Gelderland said.
“We are protesting about the violence used on animals,” activist Mila told the local broadcaster. “They are discriminating against animals because they are animals,” she said. “They think they can kill them and earn money, but this must be stopped.”
The company said in a response that animal health, welfare and food safety are central to its operations.
The abattoirs in Apeldoorn were also targeted by animal rights campaigners in 2021.
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