Heather Smith Thomas shares information about porcupines, discusses various quill removal myths and reveals the challenges of removing quills from cattle and horses.
The best way to remove quills is to immobilize the animal while the quills are pulled out with needle-nosed pliers. A straight, quick jerk works best. – Robert Cope, DVM
Source: Countryside Magazine, June 2, 2019. Link. A porcupine can be a hazard to curious livestock. Being slow of foot, he defends himself against predators with about 30,000 sharp, multi-barbed quills that grow as part of his hair coat.