Animal immobilising device may be cruel, vets warn

The New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) is warning an electro-immobilising device reputed to give pain relief and calm animals could actually be cruel.

The device is available in New Zealand and is being advertised to farmers.

It uses a probe in the animal's rectum with an electrical current, claimed to calm the animal and allow "minor interventions" without the need for restraint, NZVA animal welfare spokeswoman Virginia Williams said in a statement.

"We don't know whether the animal can still feel pain when it is immobilised in this way.

"For all we know it could still be experiencing pain but is simply unable to react.

"There is no reported evidence of pain prevention," Dr Williams said.

"Without clear evidence of a beneficial effect, the NZVA believes the device should not be used."

She said the device was illegal in Europe and the United Kingdom, and was opposed by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.

- NZPA