Animal welfare groups denounce hunting livestock conditions in Europe

The animal welfare association Nos Viventia is calling for the closure of intensive breeding farms in France used to supply the hunting industry. Following investigations into farms in Loire-Atlantique and Lot-et-Garonne, the group reported “hellish conditions” for millions of animals, including pheasants, partridges, and ducks. Findings include breeders kept in tiny cages and young birds fitted with plastic beak devices to prevent injury caused by overcrowding.

In Clavier, Belgium, residents report similar issues with the massive scale of bird releases. Local inhabitants describe an uncontrolled situation where tens of thousands of pheasants and ducks are released annually for hunting, leading to birds invading gardens and roadsides. Residents noted that the practice has escalated since approximately 2000, resulting in significant noise and animal carcasses in the surrounding areas.