Proper use of prods safety talk
The use of electric prods should be a last resort to use when trying to move a stubborn animal. When using the prod, keep the following safety tips in mind:
- Store electric prods in a safe and secure place
- Never prod an animal when it has nowhere to run
- If you are in close quarters and must use an electric prod, make sure you have an escape route to avoid injury
- When working with livestock it is recommended that you move slowly and use gentle touches to get the animals to move; using these techniques will be more effective than shoving or using an electric prod
- You should not constantly carry the electric prod
- If an animal refuses to move, first try to understand why they won’t move; keep in mind it’s possible the animal cannot move and is not refusing to move
- Utilize other tools to attempt to move the cattle such as:
- Driving aids, for example flags
- Plastic paddles
- A stick with plastic ribbons attached to it
A few additional safety tips to remember when moving cattle:
- If it is hot outside, never hurry the animal to move
- If they are being moved to new pasture, they will typically climb steep inclines or hills willingly without the handler having to resort to yelling or chasing
- Remain patient, consistent and understanding to move the cattle with less stress and with minimal effort to reduce the risk of injury
