Major Dutch, German investors back meat companies linked to animal abuse
Dutch pension funds ABP, PfZW, and PME, alongside German insurer Allianz, collectively hold 453 million dollars in global meat companies associated with serious animal welfare violations, according to research by Eerlijke Geldwijzer, conducted by Profundo.
The study found that none of the four financial institutions scored higher than three out of ten on animal welfare policies and their enforcement. Allianz accounts for the largest share, holding 321 million dollars of the total investment. Other companies in the portfolios include Tyson Foods, JBS, and WH Group, whose parent company is based in Amstelveen.
“These companies are repeatedly linked to mistreatment of animals,” the report said. Investigators found that animals are often confined in mega-farms with concrete floors, minimal natural light, no environmental enrichment, and limited space for natural behavior. They are frequently subjected to cruel slaughter methods, as well as painful practices such as tail or beak docking without anesthesia, teeth filing, or dehorning.
The report emphasized that these companies fail to meet international standards set by the Business Benchmark on Farm Animal Welfare (BBFAW). It also highlighted significant shortcomings in the financial institutions’ oversight. None of the four organizations report systematically on animal welfare, maintain robust monitoring, or provide accessible complaint mechanisms for stakeholders.
Julia Bakker, spokesperson for Eerlijke Geldwijzer, said: “It is good to see that only a limited number of pension funds and insurers invest in the meat industry. But the fact that funding is still provided to companies that violate basic animal welfare standards is highly troubling. Financial institutions often argue that their investments can improve company policies, but this research shows these improvements are not happening in practice. It is crucial that institutions take responsibility and use their influence to reduce harm to animals, people, and the environment rather than worsen it.”
Since the release of the study, PME and PfZW have reduced their investments in the meat companies mentioned. ABP reported plans to implement stricter animal welfare policies soon, while Allianz did not participate in the survey.
Eerlijke Geldwijzer urges all four institutions to integrate animal welfare into their policies, set measurable targets for improvement, establish clear escalation steps, provide transparent reporting, and implement accessible complaints systems to limit animal suffering.
