Livestock handling tools
The AVMA believes that mechanical aids to direct livestock movement should be used properly. Use of aids should be secondary to good facility design and an understanding of the specific needs of the species involved. Every effort should be made to ensure adequate and ongoing training in animal handling and behavior by all parties involved and be regularly monitored. Electrical devices (e.g., stock prods) should be used judiciously and only in extreme circumstances when all other techniques have failed. Electrical devices should never be applied to sensitive parts of the animal such as the face, genitalia, or mucous membranes.
Disabled livestock should be managed in accordance with the AVMA policy on disabled livestock.