At this time, National Parks and Wildlife Service in New South Wales continue in the most heinous round of shooting Brumbies. Yesterday, we learnt of the death of the exquisite palomino stallion MATAGI, shot by NPWS in a retention zone. How can that be? There must be an investigation.
Population Counts have been rigorously questioned, many pointing out the numbers are biologically impossible. Yet, the government plunges ahead as if they believe they are not accountable to the public. There is no transparency. Stakeholders are ignored, nil consultancy, nil explanation.
This attitude is further supported by a non government organisation, Invasive Species Council CEO Jack Gough who believes it is his right to speak for the government. Serious questions are being asked about how much power Jack holds over the government, and why?
As to the alleged numbers claimed which are biolgically impossible, are thrown around like confetti, as if it is evidence of "damage", but where is the evidence? Cherry picked reports about one species with a vague waft of inconclusive Brumby reference.
There has never been a brumby impact statement prepared by the government about Brumbies, Jack, there is no real evidence that Brumbies cause ANY damage. Yet there is literally a mounting library of evidence of harm to the Park, caused by infrastructure, Hydro 2, damage caused by deforestation, accidental spillages, carcass left to rot in waterways, the Park is overrun with blackberries, all manner of weeds and with removal of Brumbies undergrowth will be booming. And now a new announcement about a massive new tourist infrastrue.
The frog is laughing at you jack, everybody knows the frog is dying because of a fungal disease, the broad toothed rat is impacted by infrastructure, introduced predators like cats and foxes, wildfires and accidental poisoning from commercial rodenticides. Yes Jack, not Brumbies.
We demand an immediate end to shooting brumbies, ground or aerial, in Kosci National Park, Ideally, we demand an investigation into the connections between Invasive Species Council and the decisions made by the NSW Government and its Ministers.
Brumbies are part of our cultural and social history. You have no right to do what you are doing.
If you live overseas, please share this Petition for your famil and friends and wild horse groups, and if you live in Australia please continue to share with your Brumby Groups.
Please read the piece by Sarsh Michaels The Mountains Weep for Matagi Today.
MATAGI photo by David of Brumby Trails
Photo Credit: Paul McIver