However, animals that are chased, slapped, kicked, hit or frightened when young will naturally fear being approached. Once this has happened, the animal is likely to refuse the next several times as well and may become a little more excited and dangerous with each refusal. It is important to take the time to prepare for moving animals. Many farmers are tempted to move animals without the necessary planning and often end up in a battle with the animal that could lead to an injury. In addition to unique vision characteristics, sensitivity to noise and a strong territorial instinct, animals have physical and mental sensations similar to those of humans that can cause them to react fiercely to handlers.
Animals experience hunger, thirst, fear, sickness, injury and strong maternal instincts.
They also develop individual behavior patterns such as kicking or biting. The handler should be aware of these behaviors and take necessary precautions. Safety precautions include using personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, gloves, long trousers, steel-toed shoes or boots, shin guards and a hard hat, depending on the activity and type of livestock being handled. Handlers should also be concerned with zoonotic diseases, which are illnesses that can be transmitted between humans and animals. Leptospirosis, rabies, brucellosis, salmonellosis and ringworm are especially important.