Brumby Action Group Incorporated a not for profit incorporated Association haS been lobbying both the New South Wales and Victorian Givernments for many years, about the flawed brumby population counts being relied upon by Parks Managers, in both States, which led flawed policy being applied in management plans..
We strongly oppose all ground shooting and current plans for aerial shooting. We are disgusted by the recent Trial of aerial shooting in NSW on 7 and 8 November 2023
On November 7 and 8th the New South Wales Government engaged in a Trial of aerial shooting Brumbies in Kosci National Park, adopting Standard Operating Procedures developed by National Parks and Wildlife Services, which seeks to set aside advantages of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act that are set out in the Pestsmart Standard Operating Procedures, recommending that aerial and ground shooting should not take place during foaling season.
The Pestsmart Standard Operating Procedures do not support multiple body shots of wild living horses, does not support aerial shooting from moving platforms (helicopters) particularly in remote areas where it will be difficult or impossible to ensure Brumbies are not left to suffer long drawn out deaths. Does not support ground shooting of free roaming brumbies where a clear shot of a Brumby will be impossible.
We oppose
- Standard Operating Procedures National Parks and Wildlife Services are seeking to use (for future aerial shooting;
- all ground and aerial shooting of Brumbies now or in the future
Brumbies in New South Wales are protected by Legislation, the Kosciuszko Wild Horse Heritage Act
Section 4 of the Act sets out the object of the Act, to recognise the Heritage value of Brumbies and how that value is to be protected, with sustainable populations.
The activities of NPWS to remove Brumbies from the Park by aerial and ground shooting and sending Brumbies to the Knackery in absence of a credible population count is, we believe, in breach of the object of the Act and must immediately cease.
Please write to your Member of Parliament and let them know you oppose any ground or aerial shooting of Brumbies.
The role of Park Managers is to manage, not shoot sentient creatures, management is possible with passive trapping and rehoming where and if numbers are, in New South Wales, beyond the 3,000 Brumbies that must be retained (to be established with a credible population count) and in Victoria, passive trapping and rehoming as necessary.
Photo: Karen Ferguson with gratitude.