Safe Animal Handling and Restraint Procedure

Purpose. This procedure sets out how workers approach, handle, move and restrain dogs, cats and small animals to protect the animal and themselves from injury.

1.Scope

This procedure applies to all handling of companion animals at every site and during animal management call-outs. Handling of horses and livestock is outside this procedure and must not be attempted without specific training. Only workers who have completed handling induction and been signed off by their supervisor are permitted to handle animals unsupervised.

2.Reading the animal

Before approaching, observe the animal's body language for at least ten seconds. Signs of fear or aggression in dogs include a stiff body, hard stare, raised hackles, lip lifting, growling, a tucked tail or attempts to hide. In cats, watch for flattened ears, dilated pupils, hissing, a twitching tail and crouching. If any of these signs are present, do not proceed alone.

• Approach from the side, not head on
• Avoid direct eye contact with fearful dogs
• Speak quietly and move slowly
• Give cats a place to hide inside the carrier

3.Equipment

Use the least restrictive equipment that keeps everyone safe. Slip leads, well fitting collars and harnesses are the default for dogs. Towels, cat bags and top-opening carriers are the default for cats. Catch poles, muzzles and gauntlets are available in each block and must be used for animals flagged as high risk on their kennel card. Equipment must be checked before use and cleaned after use.

4.Two-person handling

Two workers must be present for any animal flagged as a bite risk, for animals over 25 kilograms that resist handling, for procedures that cause pain and for any animal in isolation. One worker controls the head and the other supports the body. Agree on the plan and the release signal before touching the animal.

5.Lifting and carrying

Lift dogs under 20 kilograms with one arm under the chest and one supporting the hindquarters, keeping the animal close to the body. Dogs over 20 kilograms must be lifted by two people or moved on a stretcher or trolley. Never lift an animal by the scruff, legs or tail. Use the kennel trolley to move carriers and feed bags rather than carrying them.

6.Bites and scratches

If a worker is bitten or scratched, they must secure the animal, wash the wound immediately with soap and running water for five minutes, apply first aid and report to the supervisor. A tetanus check and medical review are required for any bite that breaks the skin. The incident must be reported using the Incident and Hazard Report Form and the animal's record flagged in the Animal Register.

7.Records

Handling flags and notes must be kept current on the kennel card and in the Animal Register. Supervisors must review handling flags at each morning round.