Elephants Elephants - Wildpro - Twycross Zoo

3.13 Standard Operating Procedure: Use of the Electric
Goad or Hotshot on Elephants
106
BACKGROUND
The use of electric goads has been extensive in the livestock industry,
particularly with cattle. It is now subject to more restricted use, covered by
guidelines, and under public scrutiny. The use of electric goads on elephants
is apparently quite widespread in Europe and North America and general
concerns about their use on cattle are amplified by the different perceptions of
the public to a zoo species that is known to be intelligent and socially complex
with a predominantly benign image in books and films.
There are virtually no scientific data on the physiological and longer-term
behavioural effects of the use of the electric goad in elephants. This makes
any debate into its justification very subjective. It is felt that a goad can be
extremely effective in ensuring keeper safety in difficult situations and it is in
this mode of action that justification for its use can currently be found. A
review of alternatives to use of electric goads needs to be conducted with
some urgency and identification of safe and practical alternatives will allow
their use to be discontinued.
As more information and objective insight is collated it will become possible
to review the conditions of use of electric goads on elephants. Until such a
time the following points MUST be observed:
OPERATING PROCEDURE
Ownership: the ownership of an electric goad by a zoo or safari park MUST
be declared to the BIAZA and this information should be regarded as being in
the public domain. All equipment MUST conform to the established
specifications.
Authorisation for use and prohibitions: the authority to use an electric goad
MUST be given by management in writing, in advance of any anticipated use.
This authority should relate to specified conditions of use such as movement
of an animal to another zoo, a veterinary procedure or other circumstance in
which, in the opinion of a veterinary surgeon and the most senior elephant
keeper, the animal’s temperament may be adversely affected. It is not for use
in any form of training or as part of a standard husbandry regime. It is not to
be carried as a routine unless clear written authorisation and justification is
provided by management. A written code of use MUST be drawn up at each
zoo to reflect local operating circumstances.
Accountable individuals and records: only named, trained persons may use
an electric goad. Any use MUST be recorded in a log book, pre-signed by a
named, accountable, senior manager. Training should follow standard
procedures.