Integrated Natural Resource Scheme: project delivery: guidance on using virtual fencing systems for cattle in landscape-scale land management projects

This guidance provides a framework for the ethical, legal, and welfare-compliant use of virtual fencing systems to contain, move, and monitor cattle as part of landscape-scale conservation and land management projects in Wales. It is intended to support practitioners, landowners, and funding bodies in ensuring that virtual fencing measures:

• align with Welsh Government policy and legislation
• are evidence-based, proportionate, and humane
• contribute to sustainable farming and biodiversity outcomes
• are eligible for public funding under schemes such as the Sustainable Farming Scheme and other Welsh Government initiatives

Welsh legislation and animal welfare duties

• Environment (Wales) Act 2016: Duty to maintain and enhance biodiversity and promote ecosystem resilience
• Agriculture (Wales) Act 2023: Provisions for sustainable land management and animal welfare
• Animal Welfare Act 2006: Reasonable steps must be taken to ensure the welfare needs of all animals under human control
• Welsh Government ban on electric shock collars for cats and dogs remains in place; virtual fencing for livestock must comply with welfare standards

Welsh Government position on virtual fencing

The Animal Welfare Committee (AWC) opinion (2022) concluded that, with appropriate provider safeguards and operator use, virtual fencing systems can be used without detriment to livestock welfare. These include:

• when setting virtual fence lines, it is important to ensure that the needs of the cattle can still be met, for example by allowing them access to water and shelter from sun, snow or heavy rain
• virtual fencing is not suitable for all animals or all systems, including intensive grazing (e.g. strip grazing), dairy or youngstock systems, or for some individual animals e.g. bulls
• users of virtual fencing must be able to evidence they have been appropriately trained, including in welfare aspects, and assessed by the provider. They must understand the requirements of the welfare legislation
• cattle must be provided with a sufficient period of time, in a controlled and predictable environment, to become familiar with the cues given by virtual fencing and learn appropriate behavioural responses. During this period, the keeper should keep a record of individual animals’ behaviour, temperament and the site conditions
• cattle must not suffer because of virtual fencing. If, at any time, an individual animal consistently fails to respond to the virtual system, then it should be transferred to an alternative containment system
• virtually fenced cattle must be inspected at least once a day to check they are in a state of well-being
• users of virtual fencing must keep records of inspection, and for each individual animal, its movements, number of audio cues and electric shocks

A. Evidence-based

• Justified by clear management objectives such as controlled grazing or habitat protection.
• Supported by monitoring before, during, and after implementation.

B. Welfare-compliant and legal

• Systems must comply with the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and relevant Welsh codes of practice.
• Ensure collars deliver predictable, minimal stimuli and avoid unnecessary shocks.
• Exclusions: It is unsuitable for youngstock, dairy cattle, and individual animals such as bulls.
• Non-Responders: Any animal that consistently fails to respond must be immediately removed and placed in an alternative containment system.

C. Ethical and transparent

• Operators must be trained and competent to use the system
• Welfare assessments should be documented and available for audit
• Cattle keepers must understand they are responsible for any consequences resulting from the use of virtual fencing.

D. Integrated with land management

• Virtual fencing should complement habitat restoration, biodiversity goals, and community engagement.
   

Virtual fencing may be eligible for Welsh Government funding when:

• it forms part of a Sustainable Farming Scheme or biodiversity enhancement plan
• approved through a Virtual Fencing Management Plan submitted under grant conditions
• aligns with Welsh legislation and supports Section 7 Priority Habitats and Species

• Develop a Virtual Fencing Management Plan: Include objectives, livestock breeds/types, training protocols, welfare monitoring, and review.
• Engage Stakeholders: Collaborate with farmers, communities, and regulators (NRW and WG).
• Monitor Outcomes: Use welfare indicators, grazing patterns, and habitat condition.
• Report Transparently: Document actions and outcomes for funders and public accountability.

• There must be a mandatory period where livestock can become accustomed and learn to respond to the virtual system prior to active use.
• Daily welfare checks and monitoring of collar functionality to ensure animal safety.
• Operator competency certification: All personnel must complete approved training.
• Data logging of fence activations and animal responses for audit and welfare review.
• Emergency override procedures must be in place and accessible at all times.
• Compliance with Welsh Government reporting requirements, including submission of welfare.

This guidance will be reviewed periodically to reflect:

• changes in legislation or policy
• new scientific evidence and technological developments
• feedback from funded projects and stakeholders
• monitoring data and system performance logs