Applications and guidance for manufacturers

Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (POCTA) Regulations 2019, the use of virtual fencing or herding technologies for cattle is permitted provided the technology is an approved electronic collar system that incorporates appropriate safeguards to protect animal welfare.

The regulations set out the process for manufacturers of virtual fencing and herding technologies to seek approval of their product. They also set user requirements and ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect animal welfare.

What is an approved electronic collar system?

An approved electronic collar system means a system approved under the POCTA Regulations 2019 that is an electronic collar system manufactured for use on cattle consisting of a containment system, herding system or combination of both.

Approval process

Approval to sell, hire, or supply an electronic collar system for use on cattle in Victoria must be made using the approved application form:

  • The application form and guidance will be available here shortly.

Your application must:

  • Be completed in full
  • Include required reports and documents.
  • Provide details proving the system meets welfare and data standards (see Regulation 23B).
  • Include payment in full of the application fee of 387 fee units ($6,505.47 in 2025).

All applications will be considered within 60 days of receiving a completed application and approve or renew applications if satisfied that the system meets welfare and data requirements and is supported by an appropriate training program. Applications that do not meet these requirements will not be approved.

Applicants will be notified of a decision as soon as possible once a decision has been made, unless extended by written notice.

To be considered for approval, an electronic collar system must:

  • Limit electric shock to maximum levels set by regulation.
  • Precede shocks with a non-aversive stimulus.
  • Use the minimum necessary level, duration, and frequency of shock.
  • Be safe and reliable for cattle.
  • Have physical features that minimize injury risk.
  • Monitor animal location and cues.
  • Enable animals to learn and respond appropriately.
  • Collect and retain operational data.
  • Include safeguards to prevent misuse and stop direct administration of shocks.
  • Issue alerts to users.

Conditions can be imposed which may relate to:

  • Data collection and retention requirements.
  • Alerts for system failures.
  • Record-keeping and reporting intervals.
  • Animal welfare plans.
  • Training program updates to manage welfare risks.

Approvals will be valid for up to 3 years and remain valid until a decision is made, providing renewal applications are submitted at least 60 days before expiry.

Notifying the Minister of significant changes

The holder of an approval for an electronic collar system must notify the Minister in writing as soon as possible after becoming aware of any significant changes made or proposed to the approved system.

Record keeping requirements

Manufacturers of approved electronic collar systems must maintain accurate records to ensure compliance and animal welfare. These records must include:

  • If the manufacturer provides training:
    • Names of users who completed the training.
    • Content of the training delivered.
  • If the manufacturer does not provide training, details of the training program specified for users and who is providing the training.
  • The number and type of system failures or malfunctions where incidents have impacted an animal wearing the collar.

Manufacturers must keep records for at least 3 years from the date they were created and provide these records to the Minister or Agriculture Victoria upon request.

Page last updated: 09 Dec 2025