Virtual Fencing Technology
- VAWA
- Nov 9, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 1
On 2nd June 2026, VAWA released a world-first Code of Ethical Conduct for Virtual Fencing Technology. The Code is a comprehensive framework addressing a significant animal welfare regulatory gap in jurisdictions using virtual fencing technology (VFT) commercially.
As global adoption of virtual fencing technology rapidly expands, VAWA would like the industry to gather and collectively and transparently self-regulate, initially via agreed Critical Safeguarding Standards, which will need to expand over time.
Position
VAWA supports non-aversive training and management of animals. The use of electricity in virtual fencing training, herding and containment is inconsistent with this principle.
VAWA does not support the use of virtual fencing technology (VFT) for active herding nor in-paddock drafting, given the absence of evidence that these uses are safe and do not cause unacceptable, avoidable welfare harm.
VAWA also objects to unsubstantiated green- and welfare- washing claims, such as improved environmental and animal welfare. Such claims require independent research to be established in fact.
VAWA's concerns about VFT include:
the aversive methods of training and management (i.e., electrical shock).
the use of VFT for active herding and in-paddock drafting.
the unknown long-term animal welfare effects, including the impact the lack of evidence of safety, efficacy, and understanding of animal experiences when VFT is deployed across varying farm systems (e.g., dairy to beef; intensive to extensive).of disrupted social nodes.
technology glitches and communications failures that adversely affect animals (e.g., outages from topography, or telecommunication network failures in storms).
injuries and other injurious events (e.g., abrasions, callouses, entanglement).
lack of robust, detailed regulation for the use of VFT, and the complete absence of any meaningful regulation in Aotearoa.
Code of Ethical Conduct for Virtual Fencing Technology
Given the legislative gap regarding VFT, VAWA has published its Code of Ethical Conduct for Virtual Fencing Technology. The Code sets out standards that provide a starting point for safe development, deployment and use of VFT on animals. It ensures 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."
VAWA engaged with stakeholders across the agriculture and animal welfare sectors, consulted with farmers, developers, animal welfare experts, and regulators to create a comprehensive framework that details best practice.
A key recommendation is that VFT manufacturers set up the Virtual Fencing Manufacturers' Association and begin a self-regulation process that is relevant across many jurisdictions. This would enable transparency for international trade and market access, developers, users and everyone with an interest in VFT. Critical Safeguarding Standards have been selected out of the Code as a starting point for the VFMA to begin self-regulation.
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.”
VAWA is pleased that innovation is already underway to develop shock-free virtual fencing.
For other positions and information:
UK Animal Welfare Committee - opinion on VFT
Kellogg Reports
David March: Collars, Costs and Returns: Assessing the Value of Cow Wearables in NZ Pasture Systems
Natasha Cave: Beef on the Brink of a Tech Revolution: Wearables on NZ Hill Country
Other activity
February 2026
RSPCA Animal Welfare Seminar 2026: Animal welfare in the digital age
Title: Virtual Fencing - the good, the bad and the ugly.
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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