28ARequirements for use of approved electronic collar system

28A Requirements for use of approved electronic collar system

(1) A person must not use an approved electronic collar system—

(a) on any animal other than cattle; and

(b) on any species or class of cattle other than the species or class for which approval is specified by the Minister in the notice of approval under regulation 23C(5)(b); and

(c) on any animal under the age of 6 months; and

(d) unless the animal is introduced and trained to the use of the approved electronic collar system by a competent trainer or in accordance with a training program specified by the manufacturer of the collar that, at a minimum, includes the identification and management of welfare risks associated with the system; and

(e) unless the use is in accordance with any instructions for use of the approved electronic collar system provided by the manufacturer, except to the extent that using the collar in accordance with those instructions would result in a contravention of these Regulations; and

(f) unless the animal is contained within the property in which it resides by—

(i) physical perimeter fencing; or

(ii) another physical barrier.

(2) A person must not use an approved electronic collar system on any animal unless the person—

(a) is trained to use the approved electronic collar system by a competent trainer or in accordance with a training program specified by the manufacturer of the collar that, at a minimum, includes the identification and management of welfare risks associated with the system; or

(b) is using the approved electronic collar system under the supervision of a person trained to use the system.

(3) A person who uses an approved electronic collar system must not install, configure or in any way allow the system to prevent an animal on which an electronic collar is used from having reasonable access to food, water or shelter.

(4) A person who uses an approved electronic collar system must—

(a) set the virtual boundaries of the system so that animals are able to move away from the boundary without receiving an electric shock; and

Example

A boundary with an acute angle could result in cattle being unable to move away from the virtual perimeter without receiving an electric shock.

(b) ensure that any changes to the boundary are gradual and enable animals to become aware of and adapt to that boundary gradually.

(5) A person using an approved electronic collar system must check each animal on which an electronic collar is placed on a regular basis appropriate to the age and production system of the cattle and the risk to welfare of the cattle, to assess—