Animal Handling
Written protocols should be in place and reviewed annually with your veterinarian and employees to ensure that certain procedures are carried out appropriately.
How to assess:
Review the animal handling protocol to confirm that the following information is included and that appropriate criteria are being met:
Validus
- Employees trained in animal handling and appropriate tools for movement (flags, gates, flight zones)
- Employees are trained on moving/restraint devices (halters, headlocks, chutes)
- Animals move calmly throughout the audit
- Written protocol gives clear directives to not break tails or twist ears when moving animals
- Only approved handling tools are used during loading and unloading
- Prods are only used in emergencies to move animals and are never used in sensitive areas
- Loading facilities (gates, chutes) are maintained to be safe for livestock and caretakers, and have non-slip footing