AU2013251236B2

AU2013251236B2 - A method and device for training a predatory animal not to attack a pre-determined species

Info

Publication number: AU2013251236B2
Application number: AU2013251236A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Clare Veltman
Original assignee: HER MAJESTY QUEEN IN RIGHT OF NEW ZEALAND ACTING BY AND THROUGH DIRECTOR GENERAL OF CONSERVA
Current assignee: HER MAJESTY QUEEN IN RIGHT OF NEW ZEALAND ACTING BY AND THROUGH DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF CONSERVATION
Priority date: 2013-10-31
Filing date: 2013-10-31
Publication date: 2017-12-07
Anticipated expiration: 2033-10-31
Also published as: AU2013251236A1

Abstract

A method of training a predator not to attack a pre-determined species, comprising the steps of: providing a model of the species, the model comprising the scent of the 5 species and also having electric shock means; and exposing the predator to the model such that the predator approaches and contacts the model and in doing so receives an electric shock to deter it from subsequently attacking real life individuals of the species. Figure 1 6 ..--------.. 3 .. .. .. ..

Description

TITLE A method and device for training a predatory animal not to attack a predetermined species.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to a method and/or device for training a predatory animal not to attack a pre-determined species. A preferred form of the invention deals with training predators (which includes potential predators) not to treat certain animals as prey. The invention may have use in the field of conservation and animal management.

BACKGROUND

In some instances domestic animals such as cats and dogs adopt predatory behaviour and attack native species such as kiwis or other birds. This can present a problem to the survival and well-being of a species. This is not limited to cats and dogs as other predators are known to behave similarly. It is accordingly an object of a preferred form of the invention to go at least some way towards addressing this problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a method of training a predator not to attack a pre-determined species, comprising the steps of: • providing a model of the species, the model comprising the scent of the species and also having electric shock means; and • exposing the predator to the model such that the predator approaches and contacts the model and in doing so receives an electric shock to deter it from subsequently attacking real life individuals of the species.

Preferably the model is substantially covered with fur or feathers.

Preferably the model is substantially covered with an electrical conducting fabric.

Preferably the scent is a natural scent.

Optionally the scent is a synthetic scent.

Preferably the scent has been applied to an outer surface of the model.

Preferably the model resembles a bird, a sheep or a cat.

Preferably, the predator is a canid or a cat.

Preferably the model is portable.

Preferably the electric shock means comprises at least one electrical filament and an electric shock generator.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a deterrent device comprising a model of a species, the model having a scent of the species and electric shock means, the model formed such that in the event a predator contacts it the electric shock means will deliver an electric shock to the predator sufficient to train it not to attack the species.

Preferably the model comprises a covering of fur or feathers.

Optionally the model is substantially covered with an electrical conducting fabric. Preferably the scent is a natural scent.

Optionally the scent is a synthetic scent.

Preferably the scent has been applied to an outer surface of the model.

Preferably the model resembles a bird, a sheep or a cat.

Preferably the model is portable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some preferred forms of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying images, of which:

Figure 1 is an isometric view illustrating three predator deterrents;

Figure 2 is an isometric view illustrating a predator deterrent resembling a kiwi; and

Figure 3 illustrates a circuit for an electric shock component of the deterrent. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 shows three predator deterrents 1, each of them shaped like a kiwi with its head tucked in. However the deterrent 1 can vary in size and shape depending on which species it is intended to represent. The deterrent 1 has a body 2, a base 3 and number of electrical filaments 4. The body 2 as shown is hemispherical and can be in part made from metal (not visible) or any other suitable material. As shown in figure 1 the body 2 can be covered with fur 5 or with an electrical conducting fabric 6. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the fur 5 is fake fur which resembles the fur of the chosen species.

The filaments 4 protrude from the body 2 and are connected to an electric shock generator (not visible). In a preferred embodiment of the invention the filaments 4 comprise fine wire and there are approximately 20 to 30 of them. The shock generator (not visible) is preferably battery powered and is located within the body 2 or base 3 of the deterrent 1. In an alternative embodiment (not shown) the shock generator is placed outside the rest of the deterrent 1 in a watertight box and is connected to the body 2 by electrical cord or the like.

Before use, odour of the chosen species is applied to the deterrent 1. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the odour is applied to the fur 5 or fabric 6. The odour can be natural or synthetic. In a particularly preferred embodiment the odour comprises faeces of the chosen species which has been mixed with water and applied to the outer surface of the deterrent 1.

In use the deterrent 1 is placed in an area where a predatory animal such as a dog or cat can reach it. The animal investigates the scent of the deterrent 1 and when the animal contacts at least one filament 4 of the deterrent 1 the animal receives an electric shock, which deters it from subsequently attacking real life individuals of the species. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the deterrent 1 is placed on a narrow track or in a fence gap through which a predatory animal will pass. Preferably the predatory animal should be allowed to explore freely without being restrained on a lead or the like so that it encounters the scent during its exploration.

As shown in figure 2, the deterrent 1 resembles a kiwi with its head tucked in and is approximately 20 cm in diameter. The deterrent 1 however can resemble a number of different species including but not limited to birds, reptiles and mammals. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the deterrent 1 can resemble a predatory animal such as a cat so it can for example be used for training dogs to not attack cats

Figure 3 shows the circuit used for delivering shocks to the predator. The circuit is battery powered and delivers 5 shocks per second. The circuit generates a shocking voltage by pulsing current through a standard ignition coil 7. A PIC microcontroller 8 is used to generate the signal of timing pulses to a switching FET (field effect transistor) in a series with the ignition coil 7. The FET is turned on 5 times per second for roughly 5ms. An opto-isolater 9 isolates the PIC 8 from the switching circuit to protect it from voltage transients generated from the coil. A neon lamp 10 and transient voltage suppression diode across the coil protects the FET from back EMG from the coil. The voltage of the shock can be adjusted depending upon which species of animal is to be trained. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the shock is a light shock and does not harm the predator.

While some preferred forms of the invention have been described by of example it should be appreciated that modifications and improvements can occur without departing from the scope of the following claims.

Claims

WHAT I CLAIM IS:

1. A method of training a predator not to attack a pre-determined species of a live animal, comprising the steps of: • providing a model of the species, the model having the scent of the species applied to it and also having electric shock means; and * exposing the predator to the model such that the predator approaches and contacts the model and in doing so receives an electric shock to deter it from subsequently attacking real life individuals of thespecies.
2. A method of training according to claim 1, wherein the model comprises a covering of fur orfeathers.
3. A method of training according to claim 1, wherein the model is substantially covered with an electrical conducting fabric.
4. A method of training according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the scent is a natural scent.
5. A method of training according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the scent isa synthetic scent.
6. A method of training according to any one of the proceeding claims, wherein the scent of the prey has been applied to an outer surface of the model.
7. A method of training according to any one of the proceeding claims, wherein the model resembles a bird, a sheep or a cat.
8. A method of training according to any one of the proceeding claims, wherein the predator is a canid or a cat.
9. A method of training according to any one of the proceeding claims, wherein the model is portable.
10. A method of training according to any one of the proceeding claims, wherein the electric shock means comprises at least one electrical filament and an electric shock generator.
11. A deterrent device comprising a model of a species, the model having a scent of the species and electric shock means, the model formed such that in the event a predator contacts it the electric shock means will deliver an electric shock to the predator sufficient to train it not to attack the species.
12. A deterrent device according to claim 11, wherein the model has a covering of fur or feathers.
13. A deterrent device according to claim 11, wherein the model is substantially covered with an electrical conducting fabric.
14. A deterrent device according to claim 11, 12 or 13, wherein the scent is a natural scent.
15. A deterrent device according to claim 11, 12 or 13, wherein the scent is a synthetic scent.
16. A deterrent device according to any one of claims 11-15, wherein the scent has been applied to an outer surface of the model.
17. A deterrent device according to any one of claims 11-16, wherein the model resembles a bird, a sheep or a cat.
18. A deterrent device according to any one of claims 11-17, wherein the model is portable.
19. A deterrent device according to any one of claims 11-18, wherein the electric shock means comprises at least one electrical filament and an electric shock generator.
20. A deterrent device substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying figures.