Handling aids

Handling aids are an important part of animal handling and often essential. They should only ever be used as an extension of the body and never to physically hit an animal. Use of handling aids can become habitual and it is important that all staff are trained and regularly reminded of the correct use of these instruments. A variety of handling aids are used and the choice of these is dependent on what the handler prefers, what is suitable for the animals being moved, and any legal and commercial constraints.

The use of any handling aid on any animal when the route forward is not clear is unacceptable and, with regards to electric goads, illegal in some countries.

Sticks

Traditionally, sticks are the most common type of handling aid used by farmers, stockmen and hauliers. Although very useful when used intelligently as a guide and extension of the arm, the misuse of sticks has the potential to severely compromise animal welfare. Where sticks are used, they must only be made of wood and must not be modified in any way, such as the addition of a ferrule or nail to prevent wear, as these may cause pain and injury to an animal. Lengths of polypropylene pipe must never be used as sticks for animal handling, as even a light tap with this material can cause extensive bruising below the skin.

Electric goads

There are legal restrictions on the use of electric goads in some countries and many assurance schemes ban the use of electric goads during transport.  

Electric goads should not need to be used routinely and therefore should not need to be carried at all times or kept immediately to hand. If electric goads are used regularly then the handling system needs reviewing to find the cause of the problem. Electric goads should only be used once the situation has been considered and other methods to encourage the animal to move have been tried.

Electric goads should only be used on the hind quarters of adult pigs and cattle when there is a clear route forward for the animal: if the route is blocked then it is completely unacceptable to use an electric goad. They should only be applied for a maximum duration of one second, and multiple applications must be adequately spaced. Shocks must not be used repeatedly if the animal fails to respond.

The use of an electric goad should be recorded so that trends can be identified. Such records will help highlight any areas of the handling system that are in need of improvement to aid the passive movement of animals through the system.

Flags

Flags are a useful extension to the body and make handlers look larger than they are. This means that animals are easier to guide in the direction you want. The flags can also be used to make noises behind an animal in order to encourage them forward.

Flag

Rattles

A plastic rattle on the end of a long handle (allowing the sound to be produced close behind an animal) can be effective for moving sheep and pigs. The animals react to the noise produced when the rattle is shaken, without the need for physical contact with the animal. Rattles are particularly effective because they produce a sound with which the animals are not usually familiar.

Rattle

Boards

A strong wooden, or plastic board (approximately 80cm x 60cm), with holes for handles, can be a particularly effective aid for moving pigs. Pigs can easily turn and charge towards the handler when feeling confined. Boards not only make the handler look bigger, and help to guide pigs in the right direction, but they also provide protection to staff.

Watch a board being used to help move pigs at the end of the flight zone video clip: click here to view.

Plastic bags

Similar to rattles, large plastic bags can be shaken to make a noise with which animals are not usually familiar. In addition, the movement of the plastic bag makes handlers look larger than they are, further helping to encourage animals to move forward.  

Plastic bag

Next: Identification