Virtual fencing and herding technologies use GPS-enabled devices on a collar to manage and monitor animal movements without reliance on physical barriers or the presence of stockpersons. These technologies can confine animals within an area with virtual boundaries or communicate to them that a move to a new area is required.

Animals are deterred from passing a defined virtual boundary by using aversive stimuli. The virtual boundary is changed based on GPS coordinates. Typically, the collar will deliver an auditory or vibrational cue as the animal approaches the virtual boundary. If the animal ignores these cues, the collar will deliver an electrical shock. The animal is expected to learn an association between the cues indicating they are approaching a virtual boundary and receiving a shock if they cross the virtual boundary. Virtual herding operates similarly, providing animals with a cue that movement to a new area is required. The animals then receive feedback through auditory or vibrational cues which act as directional prompts to indicate the desired direction of travel.

Each individual animal will learn and react differently to virtual fencing technologies. While some individuals may be able to learn quickly and experience minimal problems, SPCA is concerned that some individuals will not adapt to the use of a collar and will experience poor welfare. In addition, SPCA is concerned about the potential for infrastructure failure (in terms of animals being able to escape the fence in emergencies, or in terms of collars malfunctioning) or lack of safeguards (virtual boundary may inadvertently exclude access to essential needs, such as water or shade and shelter).

These technologies may have both positive and negative welfare impacts on animal welfare. Without evidence on the long-term impacts, it is challenging to confidently determine whether virtual fencing may cause any enduring welfare issues. Understanding the long-term effects is essential for making informed decisions about the widespread adoption of virtual fencing and herding technologies.

SPCA considers that further research which addresses welfare concerns is required. SPCA advocates that this issue be addressed promptly.

Our organisation opposes the use of aversive training techniques or equipment for management tasks where less aversive and more effective alternatives are available.

Research about the potential positive and negative welfare impacts of these collars is currently ambiguous. Some alternative management techniques may be more aversive.

Virtual fencing and herding technologies usually use a combination of rewards and aversives to influence animal behaviour. Rewards, such as access to fresh pasture, provide positive reinforcement, while aversives include warning cues that encourage movement (negative reinforcement) and electric shocks (positive punishment).

SPCA advocates for introduction of specific regulations for virtual fencing and herding technologies.

SPCA is concerned that the absence of regulation for the development, diversification and application of modern farming technologies, including virtual fencing and herding, may put animal welfare at risk.

Regulations should include limits on shock intensity and duration, third-party monitoring requirements, employ behaviour-based algorithms, and include critical resource and animal management requirements, such as drinking water points and shade and shelter.