The present plans of the Victorian State Government  to ground  and aerial shoot Brumbies from moving helicopters is something from the dark ages when it comes to cruel and inhumane treatment.

Since National Parks and Wildlife Services NSW were prosecuted for cruelty in 2000 over the Guy Fawkes massacre of Brumbies in the Guy Fawkes National Park, aerial shooting Brumbies from moving helicopters has been banned in all State owned Parks in NSW.

In Victoria, there has been a massive and loud opposition to any shooting of Brumbies  from stakeholder groups and from the public. A recent Weekly Times poll saw 91% of the public voted against shooting Brumbies. Added to that, over quarter million people signed Petitions  in Victoria,  calling for an end to shooting Brumbies and for the introduction of protective Legislation. The recognition of the Heritage value of Brumbies and for their protection in National Parks while protecting the environment. Its possible and doable.

So what is going on within the Victorian State Government?  Who is pulling the strings? Why is Ms D'Ambrosio ignoring constituents, and what is a clear solution?

Added to the clearly CRUEL and INHUMANE practice of shooting from a moving platform, foaling season is in full swing and will continue yet for a few more months. 

Foaling Season 

Pestsmart's Standard Operating Procedures and Model Codes of Practice are clear, "culling" during foaling season is contrary to Best Management. Pestsmart further make it clear, it is not possible to "get a good shot" from "a moving platform" on grounds of animal welfare. Mares heavily in foal will be shot and abort, foals will be shot and dependent foals will die from starvation. 

Putting that to one side, is this the sort of reputation a Minister for Environment aspires to have,  and to be remembered for, and what of the cruelty?  A decision in favour of cruelty and inhumane practice? Particularly when there are other options available that will make "control" of Brumbies possible with the introduction of Legislation.

If this gross plan moves forward, that is exactly the reputation the present Minister for Environment, Lily D'Ambrosio will have, one for cruelty and for having shot foals and mares heavily in foal and for having shot our Heritage Brumbies even though there are other workable options.

And it will not be forgotten by the quarter million people who have already signed Petitions to Stop Victorian Brumbies from being shot and calling for the introduction of Legislation, similar to the model that exists in New South Wales.

If you hate the thought of our precious Heritage Brumbies being cruelly shot, please call Minister D'Ambrosio at her electoral office on (03) 9422 5171 or her Ministerial Office (03) 9637 9504 or email her. But, please take a stand on this before its too late. Before we hear of mobs of shot Brumbies being found in the high country.

lily.dambrosio@parliament.vic.gov.au and while at it, drop Daniel Andrews the Premier a line as welldaniel.andrews@parliament.vic.gov.au

Photo: from the world wide net. A dying mare aborting her unborn foal. Guy Fawkes Massacre of Brumbies never to be forgotten.