Handling Equipment Workshops

Stray Animal Solutions can offer workshops in equipment training from 1 – 3 days duration. Full animal control workshops are of 5-day duration, or can be adapted for local needs.

Equipment normally used for dog control consists of:

• Graspers/catchpoles
• Slip leads
• Snares (Nimrod/snappy snare)
• Nets
• Traps
• Muzzles
• Gloves/gauntlets
• Body protection

Graspers/catchpoles
Used for catching and restraining an aggressive or unpredictable animal. They come in varying lengths and basically consist of a long hollow metal tube ,within which is a length of plastic covered cable with a loop at the end. To catch an animal you place the cable loop over a head (or limb) and tighten, take care not to throttle the animal. You can then hold the animal away from you, or place into a prone position if the animal is particularly aggressive.

Slip leads
Made in either rope or plastic covered cable. It is simply a leash which works like a free running snare, if the animal struggles the noose tightens around the neck, but relaxes when the animal stops resisting.

Hand snares
Is a item of equipment designed to snare an animal that is moving. It consists of a length of flexible rod at the end of which is attached a length of cable with a loop on the end. The loop is placed over the rod and drawn towards the other end, you then hold on to the loop end, this forms a bow shape. To snare an animal you place the bow over a head or limb and let go of the loop. This slips along the rod and then snares the animal.

Nets
Come in various types, principally:

Walk - Toward Net - Designed for capturing wild or fierce dogs, the net is stretched taut between two people to form a barrier and then “walked “ towards the animal. A series of walk towards nets can be used to cordon off a small area, this enables a dog catching team to encircle a dog or group of dogs, other operators can be on hand with graspers to secure the animals.
Throw net - The throw net provides a simple means for capturing dogs, cats and other small animals. It comprises of a 2.5m x 2.5m net with a lead weighted rim cord for aid in casting.
Hoop nets, are nets attached to a lightweight aluminium hoop. Used similarly to a throw net, but can be thrown a further distance.

Traps
Are designed to catch elusive or difficult animals without injury. A typical construction for a dog trap is a cage, dimensions of which are 122cm L x 61cm W x 61cm H. On the front of which is a “guillotine” trap door. This door is released when a simple spring loaded latch is operated by an animal attempting to remove the bait, which is suspended on the free end latch release cord. Some other types of traps have a floor mechanism, which is triggered when the animal steps onto it when attempting to retrieve the bait.

Muzzles
Are designed to prevent an animal from biting someone once it is restrained. A simple muzzle can be made from a length of cotton gauze bandage about IM long. Form a loose loop, slip it over the animals jaws with a knot on top of the muzzle. Tighten it gently but firmly to bind the jaws, cross the loose ends under the throat and then tie them at the back of the head behind the ears. Do not muzzle an animal if the jaw has been injured.

Gloves/gauntlets and body protection
Are designed to minimise any damage to an animal handler should he be bitten. Usually made of strong leather.