Be mindful of your ratter's mental health

RATTERS will have to be kept in the right frame of mind to chase down their prey, under “woke” new rules.

- By Tony Whitfield

Terriers and other hunters “must never be overfaced by the tasks they are asked to perform” and “must be capable of engaging with live pests, particularly where animals may bite, resist or overstimulate the dog”.

The Working Dogs in Pest Management code was issued by the British Pest Control Association (BPCA).

It tells handlers: “The dog’s physical and mental well-being must be monitored at all times during work. Handlers must allow adequate rest periods to prevent injury.”