Virtual fencing to be legalised in NSW despite animal welfare concernsBy Hamish ColeABC Central WestTopic:Livestock Farming43m ago43 minutes agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 5:34amVirtual fences are expected to be legalised in NSW later this year. (Supplied: CSIRO)In short:Farmers have welcomed the announcement that virtual fencing will be legalised in NSW.The practice involves the use of collars that deliver electric shocks in order to control the movement of livestock.What's next?The legislation is expected to be passed later this year.abc.net.au/news/virtual-fences-livestock-shock-collars-to-be-legalised-nsw/105230292Link copiedShareShare articleNew South Wales is set to become the next state to legalise virtual fences in a move that has been praised by farmers but has concerned animal welfare advocates.Virtual fencing involves the use of a neckband that sends out electric pulses and noises if an animal leaves a designated area.The practice has been introduced in Queensland, Western Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory in recent years.NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said the technology would benefit producers."It is a big step forward in modernising how we're managing and containing animals on farms," she said.The bill was tabled by independent Orange MP Phil Donato and resulted in an inquiry being held last year that recommended the practice be legalised.Wayne Dunford says the introduction of virtual fences will help farmers save money and improve soil management. (ABC News: Lucy Barbour)Parkes sheep and cattle farmer Wayne Dunford said physical fencing for livestock cost up to $10,000 per kilometre and was a significant financial burden."For the first few years it is alright, but then there is maintenance — western country has a lot of damage from wild pigs, kangaroos and emus," he said."Then there is labour — it is very difficult to get contract fencing and those things aren't going to get better with less people working on farms."Flooding in 2022 led to thousands of kilometres' worth of fencing being damaged in NSW. (ABC Central West: Joanna Woodburn)Animal welfare concernsDuring the inquiry animal welfare concerns were raised in regard to the use of electric shocks to control livestock.Andrea Harvey from the Sydney University School of Veterinary Science said the technology had "amazing" potential but the shocks caused "some discomfort" and could lead to animals becoming anxious."When boundaries are changed that would always be a risk period where they would have to relearn," she said.Dr Harvey said there were measures that could be introduced to mitigate welfare issues, such as limiting the strength, duration and number of shocks.A small solar panel is used to power the devices. (ABC Rural: Georgia Hargreaves)Ms Moriarty described the electric pulses as "minor" and said protections for livestock would be ensured."The advice that I've got is that there won't be a significant issue for animals," she said."I wouldn't be allowing this to be rolled out in New South Wales if this was going to cause issues for cattle or any other animals."Phil Donato and Tara Moriarty made the announcement in Orange on Wednesday. (ABC Central West: Hamish Cole)Environmental benefitsA 2021 CSIRO study found virtual fencing improved environmental and sustainability outcomes by reducing overgrazing.Mr Dunford said the practice allowed farmers to "better manage the grass or feed" because stock could be herded more easily."You have the ability to move [the virtual fences] or manage that paddock however you wish," he said.The CSIRO has found virtual fences can improve pasture management. (ABC News: Kate Forrester)Mr Donato has travelled to other states where the technology has been legalised and says the environmental benefits are clear."Where there may be creeks or eroded areas where you don't want your stock … it is quick and simple to create a virtual fence," he said.The state government will hold a consultation process and Ms Moriarty says she expects the legislation to be passed later this year.Posted 43m ago43 minutes agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 5:34amShare optionsCopy linkFacebookX (formerly Twitter)Top StoriesFormer PM, expert panel weigh in on Australia's place in the worldLIVEPhoto shows a submarine ship in the ocean Inflation 'clears way' for RBA interest rate cut in MayLIVEPhoto shows RBA buildingHeadline inflation stable at 2.4pc while RBA's preferred measure drops within targetTopic:InflationPhoto shows Cash money in a purse with a calculator, tea towel, list of bills on a notepad and a penThere's a reason Dutton can't resort to a scare campaign with older AustraliansAAnalysis by Annabel CrabbPhoto shows Peter DuttonKooyong corflute kerfuffle headed for court as Liberals cry foul at councilTopic:Federal GovernmentPhoto shows Monique Ryan Amelia Hamer pre-poll signsRelated storiesVirtual fencing grows in popularity as more states legalise the new technologyTopic:Agricultural TechnologyPhoto shows A black cow wearing a virtual fencing collar in a grassy paddockFarmer says virtual fencing 'appropriate', but RSPCA says electric shock causes 'acute stress' to animalsTopic:Agricultural TechnologyPhoto shows man standing in paddock with dairy cows behind him'We turn up and the cows are there, ready to be milked': The new tech giving farmers a sleep-inTopic:Livestock FarmingPhoto shows A cow stands in a her wearing a small device on a collar Related topicsLivestock FarmingLivestock Health and WelfareOrangeTop StoriesFormer PM, expert panel weigh in on Australia's place in the worldTopic:Australian Federal ElectionsPhoto shows a submarine ship in the ocean Inflation 'clears way' for RBA interest rate cut in MayTopic:Stock MarketHeadline inflation stable at 2.4pc while RBA's preferred measure drops within targetTopic:InflationThere's a reason Dutton can't resort to a scare campaign with older AustraliansAAnalysis by Annabel CrabbKooyong corflute kerfuffle headed for court as Liberals cry foul at councilTopic:Federal GovernmentJust InMurder accused told police he was 'tired of pretending' to be his alleged victimTopic:Courts4m ago4 minutes agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 6:13amThe 'brain rot' and 'ego stroke' of political advertisingTopic:Australian Federal Elections17m ago17 minutes agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 5:59amVirtual fencing to be legalised in NSW despite animal welfare concernsTopic:Livestock Farming43m ago43 minutes agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 5:34amHere's what the Greens will prioritise in a minority Labor governmentTopic:Australian Federal Elections43m ago43 minutes agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 5:33amMore Just InBack to top
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