Given the aversive training methods of virtual fencing technology and the uncertainties about the long-term impacts on animal welfare, VAWA does not support all aspects of the technology.
VAWA has five key concerns regarding virtual fencing technologies:
aversive training methods (ie electrical shock)
unknown long-term animal welfare effects
unknown impacts of mobile virtual fencing
breakthrough, bolting and boundary management
technology glitches.
In New South Wales, recommendations in the Government's Committee on Investment, Industry and Regional Development report (October 2024) on virtual fencing include development of a Code of Practice. Specifically, the Committee says this should include limits on the:
strength of the electrical stimulus
length of an individual shock
maximum threshold of consecutive shocks
maximum number of shocks before cessation of the pulse train.
This is relevant to New Zealand given there is currently no specific regulation on these aspects of electricity use in virtual fencing systems.
Code of Ethical Conduct for Virtual Fencing Technology
VAWA is delighted to announce work has commenced on the development of a Code of Ethical Conduct for Virtual Fencing Technology. The Code will set out standards that include how electricity is used on animals, thus ensuring animal welfare remains at the forefront of innovative farming practices.
"Animal welfare must be integral to the design, implementation, and use of any new farming technology," said Dr. Helen Beattie, Managing Director of VAWA. "The Code will provide developers and users with standards that ensure animal welfare is a non-negotiable priority."
To shape the Code, VAWA will engage with stakeholders across the agriculture and animal welfare sectors. This will include consultation in New Zealand and abroad, with farmers, developers, animal welfare experts, and regulators to create a comprehensive framework that details best practice.
If you want to get involved in the consultation process or provide funding support for this work, please get in contact info@vawa.co.nz or leave a message below.
Using electricity on animals
Electrical shock is known to be a significant aversive experience for cattle. The UK’s Animal Welfare Committee recently published an opinion of virtual fences and noted:
“Research should be undertaken to find livestock training methods that could replace the current use of aversive electric shocks. If these new methods are demonstrated to be reliable, electric shock training methods should be rapidly phased out of use on livestock.”
In the Deer Code of Welfare Evaluation Report, the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) noted:
“f) Aversive methods for introducing animals to new technologies should not be used.”
In the Dairy Code of Welfare Evaluation Report (ER), NAWAC noted:
“Aversive techniques for training animals to new technologies should not be used (Recommended Best Practice under Minimum Standard No. 10).”
Other activity
December 2024
Media release announcing the Code of Ethical Conduct development
March & April 2024
Agribusiness published our views in this article on virtual fencing.
RNZ's Country Life linked our Dossier on the bottom of their story, "Golden Bay farmer opposes virtual fencing."
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