Animal Handling Workshops

Client: RSPCA

A collaboration between Network Rail and the RSPCA has resulted in a unique, multi-year, training partnership between two expert organisations who are transforming animal handling on the railway. The course equips Mobile Operations Managers, (MOMs), with the skills to safely and efficiently manage animal incidents on the tracks and station sites. The program integrates practical training with responsibilities under the Animal Welfare Act and the Wildlife & Countryside Act. It demonstrates a deep commitment to minimising animal distress, ensuring efficient railway operations, and fostering a culture of responsible animal care.

Our partnership came about as a result of Network Rail identifying a need for expert training after seeing more and more animal incursions on the railway. For the business, this can result in significant delays to trains, stress to staff and, of course, harm to animals. Through the delivery of this training, we are seeing increased confidence regarding the handling of animal incursions, a fewer amount of delays to train running times, reduced pressure on our frontline Inspectorate teams and, crucially, more animals helped to safety. We are tracking this impact over time, but the benefits have been instantaneous and this is a partnership the RSPCA is extremely proud of.