Electric Fences

I. INTRODUCTION

I used to ride horses at a barn that had electric fences to enclose their pastures. I soon learned that half the time they didn't even need to be on and the horses still went no where near the fences. I realized that was a very efficient way to keep the horses confined. While I was talking to one of my class mates about which invention to choose he mentioned the invisible fence which made me think of the electric fence. So, lets see what I learned!

II. DISCOVERY OF THE ELECTRIC FENCE

1870: 1st spoken of in "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" (Jules Vernes) as a defensive weapon.

1889: Next described in "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthurs Court" (Mark Twain) also as a defensive weapon

1936: 1st use of an electric fence, invented by William Gallagher

1960: Doug Philips prevented shortenings

1969: Robert B. Cox improved it more so

III. BIOGRAPHY OF DISCOVERER

In 1936 William Gallagher was getting very annoyed by his horse always using his car as a scratching post. So finally he was able to take his cars ignition and create an electric fence around his car. So unfortunately for the horse he was no longer able to use that scratching post. And unfortunately for Gallagher he was using the main power supplies which was made illegal. Fortunately both the horse and Gallagher were able to find alternatives to their problems. Gallagher made the electric fences capable of running on batteries. He also founded a family firm called Gallagher Group. Even today they are dedicated to Animal Management Systems and Security. His son Sir Bill Gallagher was deemed a knight in 2010. Gallagher Group fences currently surround the Buckingham Palace.

IV. IMPACT ON THE WORLD

Agriculture

Advantages:

• Does not need to physically restrain animals because of the shock.
• Since it is light weight it is easier to put up and can be put up quicker.
• Most animals will learn that if they touch the fence they get shocked so even if the electric fence is off they wont go near it.
• It can be powered with a battery or can be hooked up to a solar panel.
• It can keep animals off of runways.
• It can keep animals out of crops and off of private property.

Disadvantages:

• Some animals will run under the fences in between electric pulses.
• Some will push other individuals into the fence.
• Some use their heavy coats as insulation and are then able to push right through the fence.
• Some learn that when the fence is on it makes a slight clicking sound so when they don't hear the noise they know it is off and they will learn to take advantage of that.

Security (non-lethal):

• Freight trains
• Auto auctions
• Equipment rental carriers
• Warehouses/ commercial factories
• Prisons
• Military bases
• Housing communities
• Discourages suicide attempts on tops of buildings

Security (lethal):

• Used in WWI (1915) as a border for germans in Belgium against the Netherlands.
• Used in Nazi Concentration Camps
• Used presently in some high security prisons

V. JOURNAL ARTICLE

http://www.questiaschool.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5041019193

In this journal article it discusses the increasing population of large carnivores in Finland and how event the most recent electric fences could not stop them from destroying their livestock. As high tech and reliable as they are, there are some cases that are too severe for only an electric fence. Due to their disadvantages you can see how a shock may prevent a tamed horse from crossing over but it may not stop a wolf, lynx, or bear to run through it quickly. So depending on your circumstances an electric fence may or may not be your solution.

VI. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Electric Fences. (n.d.). Electric Fence and Dog Fence. Retrieved May 1, 2011, from http://www.electric-fences.net/2010/11/09/electric-fences-3/

Otstavel, T. (2009). The First Experience of Livestock Guarding Dogs Preventing Large Carnivore Damages in Finland. Ecology, 58. Retrieved April 29, 2011, from the Questia database.

Staunstrup, P. (n.d.). Burglar alarms, rescue equipment and electric fences - History of Ericsson . History of Ericsson - History of Ericsson . Retrieved April 30, 2011, from http://ericssonhistory.com/templates/Ericsson/Article.aspx?id=2095&ArticleID=1375&CatID=361&epslanguage=EN