In June 2026 Kosciosko National Park will be closed for the purpose of shooting "feral species". It is likely NPWS will be targeting Brumbies.
Even though the Heritage Brumby Legislation was repealed in November 2025, the Minister for Environment, Ms Penny Sharpe, must satisfy herself that 3,000 Brumbies must remain across the four retention zones.
The Legislation was repealed, but NPWS must continue to manage in accordance with the current management plan, which requires 3,000 remain across the four retention zones.
Based on the aerial shooting that took place between October 2023 to November 2024, and observations, it is likely Brumby numbers are low, estimated between 500 to 1,500.
A population survey has been completed in 2025 but has not been released,. A copy of the raw data is available from npws.wildhorses@environment.nsw.gov.au
but not received.
If the data discloses less than 3,000 Brumbies across the four retention zones then no Brumby may be shot or removed by npws in order to comply with the Mangement Plan. The numbers in removal zones will be minimal and aerial shooting should not be employed, rather removed for rehoming.
Please can you help by sending a letter similar to the below to Penny Sharpe and to your Member of Parliament
Letter
Dear Minister Penny Sharpe
We note that KNP is to be closed for shooting "feral species" commencing June 2026
Please advise by return, are Brumbies being targeted?
While the Heritage Brumby Legislation was repealed in November 2025, management of brumbies must continue in accordance with the current plan, which provides for the retention of 3,000 Brumbies across the four retention zones until November 2027
Please provide a copy of the 2025 population survey or a copy of the raw data.
Unless the population survey has been completed and dependant upon the numbers disclosed, which is believed to be well below 3,000, no Brumby should be shot in any retention zone if numbers are below 3,000.
As any Brumbies in removal zones will be very few, and as aerial shooting has been proven to render cruel outcomes, no aerial (or ground) shooting ought be used, but gentle trapping for rehoming only.
There has been an extraordinarily high level of barbaric cruelty toward Brumbies, and this must cease.
My I please have your urgent reply to the matters raised and provide an undertaking that Brumbies will not be aerially or ground shot in favour of trapping for rehoming and only from removal zones.
Yours faithfully,
Thank you