Abstract: Two gate sides are pivoted within a base for substantial parallel swinging movement towards and away from one another by means of a handle on one support post of the components. A cross-over chain at the other ends of said support posts transfers movement of one gate side with the other. The handle incorporates a locking mechanism which is disengaged when the handle is lifted for gate side movement but is engaged when the handle is lowered thus maintaining the gate side lock in position.

Abstract: Conventional cattle gates in cattle chutes and the like are manually actuated by one operator when the head of an animal is in position and the animal is urged into the gate area by another operator. This is time consuming and often frightens and/or harms the animal. The present device does not operate until the animal's head is positioned correctly at which time the head triggers the mechanism which closes rapidly and gently around the animal's neck and holds the animal firmly for the necessary treatment such as de-horning, inoculation, blood tests and the like.