Inhumane Handling. Can happen at any point in the catching process, especially at:-

Transcription

1 Brian Faulkner

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5 Inhumane Handling Can happen at any point in the catching process, especially at:- Point of capture. Movement onto and off vehicles. Within the holding facility.

6 Main causes are Untrained staff. Unsuitable equipment. Unsuitable vehicles. Unsuitable holding facilities. No management accountability.

7 European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals Chapter III Supplementary measures for stray animals Article 12 Reduction of numbers When a Party considers that the numbers of stray animals present it with a problem, it shall take the appropriate legislative and/or administrative measures necessary to reduce their numbers in a way which does not cause avoidable pain, suffering or distress. a.such measures shall include the requirements that: i.if such animals are to be captured, this is done with the minimum of physical and mental suffering appropriate to the animal;

8 World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) issued guidelines in This requests all 177 member states to use only humane methods for stray dog control.

9 The Competent Authority should collect dogs that are not under direct supervision and verify their ownership. Capture, transport, and holding of the dogs should be done humanely. The Competent Authority should develop and implement appropriate legislation and training to regulate these activities. Capture should be achieved with the minimum force required and equipment should be used that support humane handling. Uncovered wire loops should not be used for capture. OIE Guidelines

10 Competent Authority Means the veterinary authority or other governmental authority of a member having the responsibility and competence for ensuring or supervising the implementation of animal health and welfare measures, international veterinary certification and other standards and recommendations in the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code.

11 Minimum Force Capture should be achieved with the minimum force required and equipment should be used that support humane handling. Uncovered wire loops should not be used.

12 Uncovered wire loops should not be used

13 Minimum Force Reduces stress in both animal and catcher. Also minimises animal and human injuries.

14 Minimum Force

15 Intermediate Methods

16 Well socialised dogs can be caught on a simple slip leash. un-socialised (feral) dogs may need more specialist equipment e.g. traps; chemical capture. Whole range of equipment in between. Types of catching equipment

17 Slip leads Generally only suitable for socialised dogs that are used to neck restraint. Friendly dog s suitable to be carried may be leashed also, but not walked.

18 Snares Useful for catching free running dogs. Not suitable for long term restraint. Un-socialised dogs may react violently.

19 Limited use for catching, but good for full restraint of aggressive dogs Can be highly dangerous in unskilled hands. Be aware of not over-tightening loop, watch for blue tongue. Catch-poles (Graspers UK)

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22 Socialised Dog Un-socialised Dog Catch-poles

23 Nets

24 Drive Nets

25 Hoop Nets

26 Pole Nets

27 Throw Nets

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30 Only live traps to be used, NOT LEGHOLD traps. Basically a cage with trip door and is baited with food (usually). Traps should be checked regularly whilst set & in place Live Traps

31 Manual Trapping

32 Chemical Capture

33 Chemical Capture

34 Are a method of restraint for use in shelters or enclosed areas. Use of the Y pole is 75% psychological 25% physical. The dog is to perceive the pole as an extension of the handler. Y poles

35 Further things to consider

36 Assess the situation & location. Approach dog slowly. Lower your body profile on approach. Side profile less threatening. Avoid direct eye contact. Keep equipment at your side or behind your back. Minimise talking. Do not forget food. Approaching a dog

37 Approaching a dog

38 Flight distance varies & is dependant upon sociability of an individual dog. Approaching a dog

39 Approaching a dog

40 Reducing fear

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42 Learning what is and what is not a threat Habituation

43 Habituation

44 Restraint

45 Restraint

46 Incorrect approach Catching equipment highly visible. To much equipment being carried. To direct in approach. Dogs feel threatened.

47 Zagreb

48 Conclusion Guidelines should be adopted that follow OIE standards. Appropriate equipment; vehicles and dog holding facilities should be available. Training should be provided for all staff employed in stray dog control. SOPs should be introduced and adhered to.

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50 Thank-you