Given the aversive training methods of cow collars/wearables and the uncertainties about the long-term impacts on animal welfare, VAWA does not support all aspects of virtual fencing 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.
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 ensure 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).”
Given gaps in current understanding, and the five concerns outlined above, VAWA does not support all aspects of virtual fencing.
Other activity
March & April
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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