HANDLING AND CONTROL OF FARM ANIMALS

Verbal control

Most animals are used to verbal commands or can at least recognize the authority of the owner, even if the command is unfamiliar. Also, soft quiet words can calm an animal that is so frightened. In handling and controlling of farm animals, yelling or screaming should never be used as it can cause the animal to become more frightened or aggressive to the owner or attendance.

The physical control, tools and equipment

Control pole

In handling and control of farm animals, the control pole is used to safely handle extremely aggressive animals. The control pole is an effective tool when used appropriately. Inappropriate or unskilled use can cause serious injury to the animal. The control pole of the animals may further distress an upset animal and should only be used when the handler or other safety is genuinely in place. Volunteers are not to use the control pole unassisted. If an animal is aggressive enough to warrant the use of a control pole an experienced staff member should be consulted for assistance as the animal will also be evaluated for chemical restraint options at that time.

Animal nets

The net is one of the primary tools which are used to handle fractious animals. It allows for the safe handling and transfer of even the most aggressive small animal. Effective use of the animal net requires some training and practice. If you need to handle a feral or fractious animal, then it is proper to ask for assistance from a staff member in the farm.

Muzzles for animals

Muzzles for animals are used when a snappy or potentially aggressive animal must be handled. There are availability of nylon muzzles and plastic basket for animal. A leash or strip of rolled gauze can be used as a temporary muzzle to animal. Due to the fact that animals often try to remove the muzzle, it is important that the muzzle be placed securely and properly. A weak or poorly made muzzle may lead to a false sense of security and the possibility of being bitten. Even with a securely placed muzzle, appropriate handling must be used to prevent injury from an animal that resists the muzzle.

Animal drugs

For animals that are too aggressive or stressed to handle safely for procedures, sedation and/or general anesthesia may be necessary to allow treatment. If you are unable to handle an animal, notify a staff member to determine whether sedation is appropriate. When receiving an animal for surgery who exhibits difficult or aggressive behavior consult the Anesthesia Lead prior to kenneling the animal as we may opt to administer a pre-anesthetic sedative immediately and expedite the surgery process to minimize the animal’s time in the clinic.

Credo of animal.

The place where correct use of control is the most critical is when two people are in charge of handling the animal. This could be to perform a physical examination, administer anesthetic or to give medications to the animals. In handling, the holder is the person whose job it is to restrain and control the animal in such a way that the procedure can be accomplished with the least amount of stress to both handlers and animal. The specific amount of control which is used to control the animal is the key to safety for the handlers as well as comfort for the animal. Too much restraint can cause the animal to fight back; too little restraint can result in the handler or others being injured or in the animal escaping. Therefore, should be adequate handling.

Leashing of animal

In handling and control of farm animals, the most common tool which is employed in handle the animals in the farm is by leashing. Placed around an animals` neck, the leash normally controls even the aggressive animals. In the situation where an animal refuse to cooperate with a leash, then pull the animal either by rope or other means. Some animal have never seen a leash and will freeze up to the sensation around a sensitive area like the neck. Leashes can be abused; if the animal starts to struggle, pulling and jerking away from you, and then the animal is probably not leash trained. Pause and let the animal calm down and try again after reassuring the animal. Sometimes a quick tug on the leash will encourage a fearful animal to walk and comply with the attendant command. If the animal refuses to walk, apply a muzzle to prevent injury.

When handling animal, a leash should be used as a back-up, however, in a situation where the animal should become frightened and resists control, make a figure-eight harness by looping the free end of a slip lead back through the metal ring.

Your hand

In handling and control of farm animals, a very effective form of controlling the animal is by hand, your hands are sensitive to the amount of pressure that is being exerted on the animal and can be quickly modified to the situation. Hands can be used to gently stroke an animal or to firmly grasp a struggling animal. Although hands can be the most versatile, they are also the most vulnerable to injury. Recognizing when the hand would not be effective is very important in handling and control of farm animals.