23FWelfare and data requirements for approved electronic collar systems

23F Welfare and data requirements for approved electronic collar systems

(1) An approved electronic collar system must meet the following welfare and data requirements—

(a) subject to subregulation (2), the electric shock delivered by the electronic collar system does not exceed the relevant maximum level relating to any of the characteristics of an electric shock specified by the Minister under regulation 23L;

(b) any electric shock delivered by the electronic collar system will be preceded by an appropriate non‑aversive stimulus, being a stimulus that is not an electric shock;

(c) the level, duration and frequency of the electric shock delivered by the electronic collar system are the minimum necessary to achieve the containment or herding of the animal;

(d) the electronic collar system is safe and reliable for use on cattle;

(e) the physical features of the electronic collar (including its weight, shape and material composition) are designed and constructed in a way that limits the risk of injury or harm to the animal wearing the collar;

(f) the electronic collar system monitors the animal wearing the collar, including the location of the animal and the cues, including electric shocks, delivered by the collar to the animal;

(g) the electronic collar system is designed to enable animals to learn and respond appropriately to any stimulus emitted by the collar, which may include the taking of action to avoid an electric shock;

(h) the electronic collar system enables the collection and retention of data relating to the use and operation of the electronic collar system;

(i) the electronic collar system has appropriate safeguards and settings to protect animal welfare and to prevent misuse, including—

(i) cut-off settings and other settings relating to the level, duration or frequency of the electric shock; and

(ii) safeguards to prevent a person using the electronic collar system from directly administering an electric shock or other cue on an animal;

(j) the electronic collar system is capable of issuing alerts to a person responsible for or using the electronic collar system.

(2) The Minister may determine that a maximum level that differs from the level specified in a notice under regulation 23L applies in respect of any one or more characteristics of an electric shock delivered by an electronic collar system for which approval is sought under regulation 23A, having regard to the welfare outcomes of the cattle on which the electronic collar system will be used.

Reg. 23G inserted by S.R. No. 136/2025 reg. 8.