Using virtual fencing and herding for cattle
What is virtual fencing and herding?
Virtual fencing uses collars with GPS and wireless technology to control livestock without physical fences. If the animal leaves a designated area, the collars send out warning noise, vibration cues and electrical stimulus to encourage the animal to return to the area.
Virtual herding uses these collars to move cattle gradually from one place to another through use of the noise, vibration and electric cues to encourage the animal to move in a specific direction.
The legal use of virtual fencing and herding (approved electronic collar systems) for cattle in Victoria is governed by regulations designed to ensure animal welfare, safe usage, and appropriate training.
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulations 2019
Which systems can be used?
In Victoria, only electronic collar systems approved for use on cattle may be sold or used.
Note: Systems will be listed here once they are approved.
What are the rules?
The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulations 2019 describe the legal requirements for users. A summaryis provided below.
A person must not use an approved electronic collar system unless all the following are met:
Species and age requirements
- Used on cattle only
- The collar must be used for the type of cattle the system is approved for
- The animal must be over 6 months old
- Any additional manufacturer restrictions for the cattle species or type are followed.
Training requirements
The user of the approved system must have undergone the manufacturer’s training program, which must include managing welfare risks when using the system.
The animal must be introduced and trained to respond to the system by a competent trainer or according to the manufacturer’s training program.
Manufacturer instructions
Use must follow the manufacturer’s instructions, unless those conflict with the regulations - then the regulations take precedence.
Physical containment
There must be physical perimeter fencing or another physical perimeter barrier to contain the animal within the property.
Requirements for the person using the system
The person using the virtual fencing or herding system must either:
- be trained by a competent trainer
- be trained by the manufacturer’s training program
- be supervised by someone who is trained.
A competent trainer is someone who:
- is employed or contracted by the collar manufacturer, and
- provides training on the introduction and use of the system, including welfare risk management.
Animal welfare safeguards
The user must not configure the system to prevent reasonable access to food, water, or shelter.
The user must:
- ensure gradual and consistent boundary or herding changes so animals can adapt
- ensure boundaries are set so animals are able to move away without receiving the electric cue – don’t set acute angles
- regularly check each animal for:
- health and welfare
- collar fit and placement
- ensure collars are comfortable and safe and fix any issues promptly.
- remove the collar if:
- the animal isn’t learning to respond
- shocks pose a welfare risk
- the animal can be reintroduced to the collar following the original training program but only if there's a reasonable prospect the animal will respond safely
- act quickly to address any risk of harm, including responding to alerts from the manufacturer.
More information
More information about approved systems should be obtained directly from the manufacturer.
For guidance about suitability for your use and what to consider before purchase, visit the Research and Development Corporation website relevant to you, e.g. Dairy Australia.