Virtual Fencing for Controlling Free-Ranging Animals

An external virtual fencing device worn as a neck-collar, or adaptable for miniaturization for attachment in or on the ear, uses a programmable repertoire of bilaterally applied cues for the autonomous control of free-ranging animals without the need for ground-based devices such as transceivers. The animal's location is continuously monitored using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. The animal's location is then compared to a programmable Geographic Information System (GIS) pasture map within the device's embedded computer system. Should the moving animal penetrate a virtual boundary, a cascade of bilaterally programmable electro-mechanical cues (normally acoustic and/or electrical) are administered to change not only the animal's location but also its direction of movement. Algorithms calculate to which side of the animal the repertoire of cues is to be applied to ensure the furthest movement away from the virtual fence with the least amount of travel required. Built in safety systems prevent unnecessary stress from occurring should the animal refuse to respond correctly following stimulation