I just want to give you my sympathies. We recently moved from the city to a bigger block. It's less than an acre but I constantly worry about DD getting out so I know that feeling where you just can't relax.

I really don't think it's child abuse - you are doing it to keep your child safe and anyone who makes you feel bad about that is being very simplistic. Yep, look into other options but if an electric fence is what it takes, so be it.