The case for a standards-based regulatory framework

This information paper sets out the PGA’s position on reforming WA’s virtual fencing regulations, providing the technical and policy background to support amendment of the Animal Welfare (General) Regulations 2003.

When WA legalised virtual fencing in 2022, it did so by naming a single approved product; Gallagher’s eShepherd rather than establishing performance standards any compliant system could meet. The paper explains why this approach has become anti-competitive and out of step with other states: Victoria and New South Wales have both moved to standards-based frameworks that set clear welfare requirements (pulse limits, audio cue hierarchies, user training) without locking in a brand. Queensland, Tasmania, the Northern Territory, and New Zealand are following a similar path.

The paper also provides an overview of how virtual fencing technology works, summarises independent scientific evidence on animal welfare outcomes, and outlines the additional functionality including health monitoring, heat detection, and pasture optimisation, that competing systems such as Halter offer WA producers under the current regulatory ban.

The PGA’s proposed fix is straightforward: amend Section 7 of the Regulations to remove the exclusive reference to Gallagher/eShepherd, insert evidence-based device specifications, and establish an administrative approval pathway through DPIRD for any system that meets the standard.