The Swedish government allows electric shock collars for cows

Despite extensive criticism from Project 1882 and others, the Swedish government has chosen to allow the use of so called “virtual electric fences” for sheep and cattle. This means that animals will wear GPS-connected electric shock collars, with the boundaries of their pasture drawn digitally in an app. When the animals approach this virtual boundary – invisible to them – they will first receive a series of warning signals. If they continue forward, the collar delivers one or more electric shocks. 

I received this decision with deep dismay. What kind of society are we becoming when we consciously choose to expose animals to stress and discomfort? This is nothing less than a moral failure and a massive betrayal to the animals. The Minister for Rural Affairs’ undermining of animal welfare has gone too far.
– Benny Andersson, CEO of Project 1882 

The proposal to allow “virtual fences” was part of the heavily criticised government inquiry into “strengthened competitiveness for food producers”. The inquiry also proposed abolishing cows’ right to graze. Project 1882 has previously submitted a critical statement to the EU regarding the proposal of virtual fences, warning that the technology risks causing both stress and suffering for the animals. 

The inquiry is the worst thing that has happened to Sweden’s animal policy in decades. It has taken us 40 years backwards, forcing us to spend most of this parliamentary term defending something as fundamental as cows’ right to graze – and now this.
– Benny Andersson 

Project 1882 argues that this decision is yet another sign of a troubling trend in which the perspective of animals is increasingly marginalised in political debates. The government presented the proposal on virtual fences, just as they did with the grazing requirement, disregarding expert warnings about the associated risks. 

Nearly everything that has come out of this inquiry lacks both scientific support and respect for the Swedish Animal Welfare Act. Regardless of which government is in power, Sweden needs entirely new leadership when it comes to animal policy.
– Benny Andersson 

Project 1882 has long called for the establishment of a dedicated Minister for Animal Welfare, pointing out the inherent conflict of interest in the current Minister for Rural Affairs’ role, who is responsible for both animal welfare and agricultural industry interests. 

The government states that the amendment to the Animal Welfare Ordinance, which will make the use of virtual electric fences legal, will take effect on 1 January 2026.