NSW Farmers urge State Government to allow access to virtual fencing

Virtual fencing technology is being used successfully in Queensland, Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Tasmania, but current animal welfare legislation in NSW means it continues to be banned across the state.

The tide may be turning though as discussions and potential amendments to the legislation offer a hint of hope that farmers in NSW might be given access to the potentially life-changing technology.

Member for Orange, Philip Donato, presented a Notice of Motion to State Parliament in October, aiming to introduce the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment (Virtual Stock Fencing) Bill 2023. That legislation is scheduled to be heard early next year.

Revolutionising cattle management, virtual fencing uses collars to guide and supervise the herd. Each animal wears an electric collar, which sends sound and vibration signals to give them directional guidance. If the cue is ignored, the smart collar sends an electric pulse.

However, the Animal Justice Party has expressed firm resistance to the implementation of the technology. The RSPCA has also raised concerns regarding the potential impacts on animal wellbeing, particularly related to the employment of electric shocks. These shocks, the RSPCA claims, have been demonstrated to trigger immediate stress reactions in animals.

Mr Cooper says it’s important that decisions are based on reviewed scientific research, and not on emotion.

“There needs to be a focus on the benefits of the technology where it outweighs any unproven claims about animal welfare,” Mr Cooper says.

“I believe the benefits of virtual fencing quite obviously outweigh any argument against the tech. And it’s not just for farming, as there are examples of virtual fencing being used to protect wildlife.”

Libby-Jane Charleston, The Farmer, 11 December 2023.

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