Brian Faulkner
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.
Main causes are Untrained staff. Unsuitable equipment. Unsuitable vehicles. Unsuitable holding facilities. No management accountability.
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;
World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) issued guidelines in 2009. This requests all 177 member states to use only humane methods for stray dog control.
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
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.
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.
Uncovered wire loops should not be used
Minimum Force Reduces stress in both animal and catcher. Also minimises animal and human injuries.
Minimum Force
Intermediate Methods
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
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.
Snares Useful for catching free running dogs. Not suitable for long term restraint. Un-socialised dogs may react violently.
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)
Socialised Dog Un-socialised Dog Catch-poles
Nets
Drive Nets
Hoop Nets
Pole Nets
Throw Nets
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
Manual Trapping
Chemical Capture
Chemical Capture
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
Further things to consider
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
Approaching a dog
Flight distance varies & is dependant upon sociability of an individual dog. Approaching a dog
Approaching a dog
Reducing fear
Learning what is and what is not a threat Habituation
Habituation
Restraint
Restraint
Incorrect approach Catching equipment highly visible. To much equipment being carried. To direct in approach. Dogs feel threatened.
Zagreb
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.
Thank-you