Animal Control Device with Louis

Animal Control Device (ACD)

To mitigate the excessive use of the animal control device (ACD), both in the field and in the kennels.  

To provide the field officer and the animal care technician with a working knowledge of canine behaviors to be able to recognize the occasions when use of the animal control device may or may not be necessary

Animal Control Device – its description, maintenance, operation and general use.

Description

The Department-issued animal control device is the Ketch-All Company, standard 4 and 5-foot tool.  Authorization has been approved for field use of the 28-inch device of the same design as the original model.

Operation

The tool is a tubular pole cylinder with a cable- and spring-loaded mechanism design that allows the operator to pull out on the cable at one end of the pole, thus reducing the other end’s loop size.  The loop is placed around the animal’s neck or other appropriate part of the animal (around neck and one shoulder) until it is safely and humanely snug.  On the end there is also a knob that the cable runs through.  When the knob is pulled, the loop on the opposite end will be released, thus enlarging the loop back to its original size.

Note:  Should the loop be too loose, an animal could slip its neck out and either escape or attack the handler.  Should the loop be too tight, it could, and probably would, restrict the animal’s breathing, thus causing the animal to panic, thereby reducing tolerance levels, raising his stress level and complicating the capture or control of the animal.

Maintenance

The ACD must be maintained in a manner to allow for the free release of the full loop when the release knob is pulled out at the other end of the pole.

General Use

The design of this tool is to keep the animal at a safe distance from the handler or to use to facilitate the rescue of an animal from a hard to reach place.  

Common Canine Behavior When Utilizing the ACD

It is to be expected that quite a few dogs that walk fine on a leash will fight the restriction of the ACD when the loop is placed snugly around the neck.  This is simply because they have never experienced or seen this device, let alone that the handler using the device on them is someone that they are not familiar with and/or the circumstances that are surrounding the cause for the use of the device are both unusual and stressful to the animal.   

Dogs can respond several ways: 

• The dog may very well become defensive aggressive and may fight the ACD by attempting to bite this strange, frightening device being placed over his head and around his neck.  This may result in him biting his own tongue and lips.  This reflexive action may result in bleeding in the mouth area and enhance his self-preservation activity.  The handler must move quickly and cautiously with this dog in order to place the animal in the intended confinement area in order to reduce the animal’s stress level. and to get the employee out of harm’s way as quickly as possible. 
• Some dogs will panic and begin to flip and twist in their attempt to get away from the restriction.  They may also be screaming or yelping, which immediately draws the public’s attention.  Several things can happen if this struggle continues. 

1. Should the dog twist too much, it can cause the loop to tighten around the dog’s neck.  Immediate action must be taken by the handler to prevent restriction of the dog’s breathing. 
2. The public’s perception of the incident will likely be that of a negative nature.  They will probably assume that the dog is being mishandled and this “malicious” behavior on the part of the handler is to purposely inflict pain on the dog.  At best, they will perceive this incident as handler error.  They assume the handler does not know what they are doing and have no business being in the position that they are in.  If the handler cannot safely and immediately get the dog to the confinement destination, i.e. transport cage, kennel or animal collection vehicle, they must put the dog on a leash and loosen the device.  The handler can then decide to either remove the device entirely, or leave it on but release some of the tension around the dog’s neck.  If they decide to remove it but are not sure if the dog might attack, they can place a barrier board between themselves and the dog if this occurs in the kennels/shelter.  If this occurs in the field, the officer should immediately muzzle the dog and carry it to their collection vehicle.
3. If the dog is small enough, it can be wrapped up in a large towel, blanket or you may utilize thick falconry gloves or gauntlets and move him in this manner.

• Special attention should be paid to using the ACD on longhaired, thick-coated dogs such as Chows, Malamutes, and Keeshonds.  Due to the hair packing around the cable as it is drawn into the head of the device when tightened, the cable may either not tighten enough, leaving the handler with a dog not really under their control, or the cable will not loosen when the knob is pulled to release it.  

IN ALL INSTANCES OF CANINE HANDLING, EVERY OTHER MEANS OF CONTROLLING THE DOG SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BEFORE USE OF THE ANIMAL CONTROL DEVICE. 

RECOGNIZING AT-RISK CANINE BEHAVIOR

Obvious Aggressive Behavior towards Humans

Canines that have already bitten a human and continue to demonstrate an aggressive posturing, i.e. charging, growling, bearing teeth, raised hackle, and stiffened stance with askew glances towards the handler, and hard barking with growling undertones.

Canines that have not bitten a human but that are of a size and/or stature, coupled with the above described behavior, to warrant maintaining a solid safe distance.

Unpredictable Behavior 

Canines that display an unpredictable behavior are most likely associated with fear and defensive aggression.  However, oftentimes these animals can be placed on a leash and quickly and safely muzzled, facilitating their carriage.  Also, these dogs can be coaxed along on the leash with positive, commanding talk and encouragement, providing, however, the handler stays cautious, keeping their attention on the dog and constantly watching for any and all changes in the animal’s body language.  Should these dogs freeze in motion, then consideration of utilizing an animal control device or perhaps the barrier board should be taken. 

Kenneled canines that come to the front of cage and present themselves for attention but then freeze when the person stands or moves in front of them are potentially more dangerous than the dogs that stay in the back of kennels or even the dog that is obviously displaying aggression.  This behavior warrants extreme attention on the handler’s part, as the dog is close to the person and is giving an obvious indication of the possibility of an unpredictable behavior.  (In many cases, the cause and type of aggression may require identification by an experienced behaviorist).  In any case, all personnel should recognize that this behavior warrants extreme caution, for if the dog should decide to attack, the handler’s reactions must be quick to avoid injury.  The handler must decide if they can place this animal on the leash or if other means are in order.  However, the handler should have both the barrier board and ACD handy.  Also, be aware that sedation may be the most humane option in the handling of his animal.  The option to sedate the animal shall be determined by a licensed veterinarian. 

Field Environment

Canines that are hesitant to come forward towards the officer in the field may be demonstrating insecurities that may cause them to attempt to flee or escape, if possible, or to attack if the officer continues toward them.  0While maintaining and/or preparing to handle a dog with this temperament in the field environment, officers should: 

Take time to bend down and show the smaller, scared dog their profile; talk to him in a kind, soothing tone and attempt to coax the animal forward.  Time should be taken with these animals to reduce their fear, as encounters such as these must be as positive as possible.  If the dog is backed into a corner or truck cage, the officer can attempt to first toss the leash loop over the dog’s head and draw the dog forward.  Should the dog attempt to bite through the leash rope or start to struggle wildly, then field officers may be forced to place the ACD over the dog’s neck, with the least amount of tension as possible, to prevent the animal’s escape should it bite entirely through the leash.  Again, the field officer should attempt to quickly muzzle and kennel the dog, if possible, before it increases its struggle.

Shelter Environment

In the shelter environment, the use of the animal control device should be kept to a minimum, as there are many other means of controlling an animal in this environment.  Kenneled canines that are hesitant to come forward towards the handler may be demonstrating insecurities.   These insecurities may cause them to attempt to escape from the kennel.  A high percentage of these dogs will snap, bite or outright attack, if necessary, to make their escape out of the kennel run.  An abrupt entry into this animal’s confinement area may cause the animal to attack if the handler continues toward them (into their “radius of temperament”). 

While maintaining and/or preparing to handle a dog of this temperament in the kennel environment, attendants should be patient.  Take time to bend down from the outside of the kennel run and show the dog your profile; don’t stare directly at the dog; talk to him in a kind, soothing tone and attempt to coax the animal forward in an encouraging voice.  If the animal continues to stand back, with the use of a barrier board, enter the kennel run and with the barrier board between yourself and the dog, place your lead over the dog’s head and take him directly to the desired destination, talking to him, the entire time, in a soothing but commanding tone. 

Be sure you have everything in place so that you can take him from point A to point B without interference.  Take the route of least distractions.  Remember, if the dog is so aggressive or afraid that he is going into a panic or self-preservation mode, then medical staff should be consulted to determine if sedating the animal is an option in order to avoid further trauma to the animal, as well as to insure employee safety. 

Dogs known to be aggressive to humans may need to be sedated before handling, unless medical staff is not available or indicates that sedation cannot be used for health reasons.  

Barrier Boards can be effectively used as a safety barrier between an unpredictable or questionable dog and handler when the dog will walk on the leash.

Smaller dogs can be safely and humanely wrapped and carried in a large towel or gently placed in a rolling transport cage as a means of moving them from place to place.

Animal transport cages should be used whenever possible to move any dog that is exhibiting fear, refusing to walk, or is difficult to handle through the kennels.

Owners bringing in their dogs that appear hesitant, aggressive, or are of a breed that may warrant extra care, i.e. Chows, Pit bulls, Akitas, should be asked to place their animals in an animal transport cage before booking in the animal.  These dogs can then be safely transported to the medical room for evaluation.  If sedation becomes necessary to safely handle the dog, medical staff should be consulted.

Occasions that may Necessitate the use of the Animal Control Device on Canines in the Kennel Environment

The use of the animal control device may be required to control dogs engaged in a fight, when attacking a human or other animal, or to remove a vicious (aggressively attacking) dog off the animal collection vehicle.  However, if medical staff is available, consideration must be given to sedating the dog before it is taken off the truck.  This would also facilitate the dog’s initial medical evaluation. 

In the above mentioned situations, the barrier board should always be considered as an option.

• Owners redeeming their dogs that are unpredictable or aggressive should be directed to enter their dog’s kennel, place a muzzle on the dog, and then take the animal safely to their vehicle at which time the animal care technician can be given the muzzle back.  Owners with dogs, such as these, should be asked to move their vehicle to the rear animal loading area to effect a closer transition location.  These dogs should not be allowed to access the front lobby or public intake area unless they are wearing a muzzle.

Prohibited Uses of the Animal Control Device (ACD)

• No animal shall be drugged, pitch-forked, or otherwise moved without proper support given to the whole animal’s body.
• The ACD is a tool, only, and shall not used to inflict unnecessary pain on an animal or intentionally cause the animal to be rendered inert. 
• The ACD may be used in a striking manner to deflect only the advances of an attacking dog or other large, aggressive animal.  It shall not be of strength to cause serious injury to the animal.

Other Types of Animals that May Require the Use of the ACD

Animals that require a solid safe distance between them and the handler, i.e. rattlesnakes, large types of reptiles (caimans, monitor lizards).

Feral cats that may occasionally require capture in the field due to illness or injury.  When other means of capture and restraint tools are not available, the use of an ACD may be necessary.  However, it should be noted that the capture of these animals, as well as other wildlife, i.e. raccoons, should be done with the loop of the device being placed around the animal’s neck and over one shoulder.  Additionally, the handler must place the animal transport cage within close proximity to facilitate an immediate and safe release of the animal into the cage. 

Do not use the ACD on any cat unless it is for rescue purposes only (i.e. stuck between walls, in difficult-to-reach areas, etc.)

Recurring Training

Employees should continue to take advantage of any canine behavior training offered, both in-service and from reputable outside vendors.  Should any employee feel that they need additional Animal Handling and Safety training, they are to contact their direct supervisor.  The supervisor should request this training through the safety coordinator.

---

Video: Animal Control Device