The Australian Government has approved an aerial shooting cull of the Brumby, our heritage horses, arguing that they are damaging the Snowy Mountains ecosystem. However, there is a far greater threat that seems to be overlooked: feral pigs, whose population in Australia is estimated to be between 3.2 million - 25.5 million, that cause environmental carnage and destruction far more extensively. Instead of addressing the feral issue where it is most needed, the government continually fails to properly address extremely high impact feral species ie: pigs, toads and more,  and instead target much lower impact species such as the Brumbies, a species that holds historical significance and deep emotional value for many Australians and international visitors.

The Brumbies are descended from the Waler horses, the noble steeds who carried our soldiers into battle. These horses are living legends, immortalized in Australian culture and loved by people worldwide. Yet, the proposed aerial cull threatens to erase this vital part of our heritage under the guise of environmental protection, without sufficient transparency or public discourse.

While all efforts to conserve ecosystems are commendable, they must be impartial, scientifically justified, and humane. The notion that Brumbies pose a greater threat than feral pigs lacks substantial evidence. Feral pigs are known to devastate native flora and fauna, and their numbers continue to grow unchecked. Why then, is the focus solely on eliminating the Brumbies?

There are also questions that arise from culls like this, such as, "Are species being deliberately removed for other reasons", due to the fact that the Snowy Mountains is "undergoing a massive transformation into a year-round adventure destination, backed by a major multi-million dollar master plan. Key infrastructure includes a 500-hectare Jindabyne Mountain Bike and Adventure Park, luxury eco-resorts, extended alpine trails, and resort upgrades", said Kristy McBain MP Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories. The public demands transparency.

It is well known that species are "cleared" from building and infrastructure sites across Australia and worldwide, and most of the time large infrastructure projects do not employ wildlife/animal spotters or rescuers to rescue/remove species in a humane and ethical way. Our "authorities" seem to have lost compassion and humanity towards our animals and wildlife, and the ethical and humane human beings watching what is seen by many as an "horrifying bloodbath".

It has now become a situation where these callous and blasé decisions is also causing mass grief and emotional suffering to the public, both nationally and internationally. Aerial shooting is considered by many to be the most highly unethical and inhumane method of killing, as targeted animals have been reported to remain living after sustaining multiple inaccurate bullet wounds, the animals then enduring immense suffering which has been  compared to a inhumane torturous agonising death, a clearly brutal and unacceptable cruelty.  This does not abide by any humane laws.

On a different note, when the public is told the Government has employed " aerial sharp shooters" to kill targeted animals, there is little to no information provided on who these so-called "sharp shooters" are.  Shooting from a moving helicopter and hitting the target accurately requires expert skills, yet there is zero transparency on who these people are, what qualifications they have, which the public has a right to know.

We call on the Australian Government to halt the aerial cull of Brumbies immediately. We demand transparency in environmental decision-making processes and insist that any wildlife management strategy be based on robust scientific evidence and ethical treatment of all animals.

Join us in urging the government to reconsider its approach, and instead of targeting Brumbies, allocate resources towards controlling the true culprits of environmental damage. Let us protect our heritage while responsibly safeguarding our national parks. Sign this petition to make your voice heard in defense of the Brumbies and true ecological balance.