RSPCA Policy B7 Virtual fencing collars

The RSPCA supports the use of non-aversive methods to herd and fence farm animals.

The RSPCA recognises that virtual fencing technology has the potential to cause farmed animals injury, pain, and distress, for example due to poorly fitting collars, the application of electric shocks, the expectation of electric shocks, and individual learning differences.

Where virtual fencing technology is used on farmed animals, it must:

• be underpinned by animal learning theory
• be the subject of an extensive body of animal welfare research which indicates that negative animal welfare impacts of the technology are minimal in the contexts in which it will be used
• have built-in, effective safeguards to protect animal welfare
• be effectively regulated, including mandatory standards around the design, user training, use, and monitoring of the technology
• have regulatory oversight which is resourced sufficiently to allow appropriate enforcement
• include as a requirement of sale and use the recording and reporting of the animal welfare impacts of the technology.