About Ongehoord
Ongehoord has been investigating the animal industry since 2011. Our videos of cows, pigs, rabbits, chickens, minks, deer and other animals shocked the Netherlands and Belgium time and time again. The public debate about livestock farming is obstructed by half truths and outright lies. Ongehoord is committed to gathering facts and providing an honest picture of the animal industry.
Our Position
In a fair discussion about livestock farming, its victims, the animals, must have a voice. We unfortunately do not speak their language, but we can observe what animals want by looking at their behavior when they are free. That behavior should be the starting point when we assess the animal industry on animal friendliness. Any restriction of an animal's needs is by definition unfriendly to animals. For that reason, there is no such thing as animal friendly meat or dairy production.
There is no such thing as animal friendly meat or dairy production.
Systemic Problems
In the public debate we see several groups muddying the discussion. That farmers, slaughterhouses and meat sellers play fast and loose with the truth in their advertisements will surprise no one. That the Dutch inspection service, the NVWA, prefers to defend the meat sector rather than animals, is more worrying. When Ongehoord brings animal suffering to the media, the agency acts as if it is shocked and will take action. But once the media attention fades, the agency will again accommodate the farmers, refuse WOO requests, ignore EU legislation against animal cruelty, and hand out fines only after four or more warnings. We would prefer to see an inspection service that stands up for animals, but we realize that is naive. The government generally places the interests of the economy above those of animals.
Despite the animal industry's and the NVWA's strenuous efforts, public concern about livestock farming continues. In response, the government pushed for the Better Life label, implemented by the Dutch Society for the Protection of Animals in collaboration with VION and other market parties. As with any social movement, the industry or the state eventually seeks a compromise once their profit or power starts to come under threat. The Better Life label can therefore be seen as a symptom of a successful animal rights movement. At the same time, the label has proven to be a champion of false promises and has barely helped animals, in some cases even made things worse.
Help With Investigations
Help with investigations! Do you have tips or want to conduct your own investigation? Email Ongehoord at info@ongehoord.nl. Ongehoord is run entirely by volunteers, and together we can accomplish a lot. Our team includes graphic designers, social media managers, writers, information researchers, fundraisers, and video editors. We also need more people for fieldwork.
Take Action
Many people are already eating less meat, avoiding meat altogether, or choosing a vegan lifestyle. As a result, the animal industry is losing a significant portion of its income. Interested in trying a month without animal products? The Vegan Challenge offers easy recipes and helpful resources. For dining out options, visit Vegan Amsterdam and HappyCow for recommendations.
We don't just want more veggie burgers; we want less meat in supermarkets. By taking action at supermarkets, slaughterhouses, and farms, the goal is to challenge the meat industry! Ongehoord focuses on investigations, but organizations like Active for Justice, BiteBack, the Earthling Experience, Comité Dierennoodhulp, Dutch Anti Fur Movement, NEON (mainly active on Instagram: @neonprotest and @neonprotest_amsterdam), and many others regularly carry out successful actions. You can join one of these groups or organize your own. If you need funding for your action, reach out to het Actiefonds.
Support Our Work
Your donation is greatly appreciated. You can also donate items directly — the investigation team needs headlamps, a night-vision camera, a car, new boots, a laptop, and more. If you have items that could help our investigation team or office volunteers, please email info@ongehoord.nl or call 06-41828627.