Moving aids can be used in a variety of ways ranging from:

1. Gentle touches on the side or rump (appropriate), to
2. Aggressive pokes in a sensitive area, such as the rectum or udder (inappropriate)

Inappropriate use of moving aids is an animal welfare concern. However, defining the cut-off point between these two extremes is difficult and therefore hard to measure.

Cattle should be moved without excessive force, which includes use of electric prods or other physical objects to hit and move a cow. Repeated use of such instruments in this way will be considered an act of abuse.