Electric Cattle Prod Rules in Canada: What the Beef Code Says

What the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Beef Cattle says about electric prods, and the paddles, prods, shafts and parts we list.

Short answer: Canada's Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Beef Cattle (2013) says: "Electric prods must only be used to assist movement of cattle when animal or human safety is at risk or as a last resort when all other humane alternatives have failed and only when cattle have a clear path to move." The same section says "Do not use electric prods on calves less than three months of age that can be moved manually."

What the Beef Code requires for electric prods

The Code is published by the National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) and the Canadian Cattlemen's Association. Section 4.1, Handling and Moving Cattle, lists these requirements, word for word:

"Animal handlers must be familiar with cattle behaviour (through training, experience or mentorship) and use quiet handling techniques."
"Electric prods must only be used to assist movement of cattle when animal or human safety is at risk or as a last resort when all other humane alternatives have failed and only when cattle have a clear path to move."
"Do not use electric prods repeatedly on the same animal."
"Do not use electric prods on the genitals, face, udder or anal areas."
"Do not use electric prods on calves less than three months of age that can be moved manually."

What the Code recommends before a prod

The recommended practices in the same section include:

"adjust your handling techniques and positioning according to the response of the animals and the situation"
"take a course in cattle handling techniques"
"use handling tools, such as flags, plastic paddles or rattles, to direct animal movement"

The Code also suggests checking your handling regularly. One of the measures it lists is the share of cattle "requiring the use of electric prods to move", and it notes: "Increasing levels of the above handling events may indicate a need for changes in lighting, noise levels, equipment, handling methods, or environment."

The Beef Code is being revised

NFACC is updating the beef Code. Its progress page reports: "The beef cattle Code Public Comment Period (PCP) was held from April 13th - June 12th, 2026." and "The beef Code Committee (CC) is now working to collate and review all comments." Check nfacc.ca for the current version before you rely on any wording here.

Sorting paddles and poles we list

These are the handling tools in our cattle prods and sorting tools category that are not electric:

Electric prod handles we list

Shafts, batteries, chargers, motors and parts we list

Each part names the handle or range it belongs to. Match it to your handle's model, and ask us in store if you are not sure which one you have.

Sources: National Farm Animal Care Council and Canadian Cattlemen's Association, Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Beef Cattle (2013), Section 4.1 Handling and Moving Cattle, nfacc.ca/beef-cattle-code, viewed October 2026; National Farm Animal Care Council, "Beef Cattle Code of Practice - Progress Update" (June 2026 entry), nfacc.ca, viewed October 2026.

Electric Cattle Prods in Canada: What the Beef Code Says