In the heart of New South Wales, Australia's Kosciuszko National Park stands as a breathtaking emblem of natural beauty and diverse wildlife. Among its most cherished inhabitants are the wild horses, known as brumbies, which have roamed this landscape for centuries, contributing to both the ecological fabric and cultural heritage of the region. Recent actions to reduce their numbers through aerial culling raise significant ethical and welfare concerns that demand immediate attention and action.

The Australian National Code of Practice for the Humane Shooting of Kangaroos and Wallabies explicitly prohibits shooting from a moving vehicle or platform, due to the heightened risk of inaccuracies and subsequent animal suffering. Yet, this same standard does not currently extend to the aerial culling of wild horses, despite similar risks of cruelty and inaccuracy. Aerial culling from helicopters allows for quick movements that can lead to non-vital shots, causing unnecessary pain and prolonged suffering to these iconic creatures.

Wild horses in Kosciuszko are not just an emblem of heritage but are also integral to the tourism industry, drawing visitors worldwide to witness their untamed beauty. Culling them thoughtlessly not only disregards animal welfare standards but also diminishes the region's cultural and economic assets.

In place of aerial culling, we urge authorities to consider and implement alternative, more humane methods of population management, such as fertility control and ground mustering. These approaches not only align with humane treatment protocols but have also been proven effective in managing wildlife populations without unnecessary harm.

We call on the New South Wales Government and relevant environmental authorities to halt the practice of aerial culling of wild horses immediately. The call for action is simple: Revise current wildlife management strategies to reflect the National Code's standards and commit to ethical and sustainable practices.

Please join us in urging responsible and humane treatment of Kosciuszko's wild horses by signing this petition. Together, we can ensure that our wildlife management reflects both the values of humane treatment and the preservation of Australia’s natural and cultural heritage. #ProtectOurBrumbies