New standards published for working animals in pest control

Higher welfare and professional standards

The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) has published new codes of best practice governing the use of working animals in pest control.

The Working Dogs in Pest Management code sets minimum standards for humane despatch, wildlife tracking, detection and public health protection.

Handlers must conduct full site surveys before deployment, assess environmental hazards, and ensure dogs are “stock-broken” before working near livestock.

The new code also requires handlers to carry appropriate tools for swift, humane despatch, and makes clear that dogs must never be allowed to prolong suffering or “play” with live quarry.

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Industry reaction

Kieran Sampler, founder of Yorkshire Rat Pack and managing director of VermiCure Pest Control, told Shooting Times the codes would drive a positive shift in pest management methods.

“These changes will greatly reduce secondary poisoning and stop rodenticides being thrown about like they’re going out of fashion,” he said. “It may upset some pest controllers, but increased trapping and terrier work is a far more responsible, humane and effective long-term approach.”

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New rules for birds of prey

A separate code covering the use of birds of prey in pest management has also been introduced, setting out welfare, nutrition, veterinary care and training requirements.

Niall Gallagher, BPCA technical manager, said the codes will ensure the use of working animals in pest management remains “professional, ethical and fully compliant with the law.”