Animals should always be handled with care. In many cases where animals have to be killed to protect their welfare, they will be recumbent or their movement limited by their injuries or situation. However, some will require restraint in order to facilitate safe and effective killing. The following methods of restraint are suggested:
Cattle: |
Use a halter or confine the animal in a narrow pen constructed of hurdles or gates. |
Deer: |
Confine the animal in a narrow pen constructed of hurdles or gates. Covering the eyes of the animal, for example with lightweight fabric, may help calm the animal. |
Goats: |
Use a halter or confine the animal in a narrow pen constructed of hurdles or gates. |
Horses: |
Control with a head collar and lead rope, halter or bridle. |
Pigs: |
Pass a rope around the upper jaw, behind the canine teeth. The pig will pull away from the operator, who stands in front of the animal. This ensures that the shot is being discharged directly away from the operator. |
Sheep: |
Use a halter, or confine the animal in a narrow pen constructed of hurdles or gates. |
Small and infant animals may be restrained in a small pen or box. If safe to do so, small animals may also be manually restrained, depending on the killing method to be used.
Should there be any doubt in the mind of the operator as to the correct target area for firearms or captive-bolt equipment, then it should be identified and, if possible, marked. This can be done using a spray marker, a felt pen, or in the case of a very dark-coated animal, French chalk.
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