Help Protect Our Precious Alpine Ecosystems – Support Effective Feral Horse Control

Feral horse numbers in the Australian Alps have skyrocketed since the previous Coalition government ceased to take an evidence-based control actions.

Since ground and aerial shooting was stopped the number of feral horses in the Australian Alps grew from 7,500 in 2013/14 to over 24,000 right now. In Kosciuszko National Park alone, the population has surged to approximately 18,000 – a 30% rise in just two years.

Ecological Devastation

The scale of ecological destruction feral horses wreak on the delicate alpine ecosystems cannot be overstated.

These introduced animals wreak havoc through trampling, grazing, soil compaction, and erosion ...

Feral horse numbers in the Australian Alps have skyrocketed since the previous Coalition government ceased to take an evidence-based control actions.

Since ground and aerial shooting was stopped the number of feral horses in the Australian Alps grew from 7,500 in 2013/14 to over 24,000 right now. In Kosciuszko National Park alone, the population has surged to approximately 18,000 – a 30% rise in just two years.

Ecological Devastation

The scale of ecological destruction feral horses wreak on the delicate alpine ecosystems cannot be overstated.

These introduced animals wreak havoc through trampling, grazing, soil compaction, and erosion, leading to the destruction of streambanks, wetlands, grasslands, and more. At least 25 threatened alpine flora and 14 threatened alpine fauna species are affected, including iconic species such as the corroboree frog, the broad-toothed rat, and rare alpine orchids.

Worse still, every year that governments fail to take effective action will mean that more horses have to be removed, more ecosystems, threatened species and Indigenous heritage will be harmed, and more taxpayer money will have to be spent.

It's time to take decisive action to preserve these fragile ecosystems. Join us in supporting the NSW Government's proposal to introduce aerial shooting as a necessary and humane method for feral horse population control.

Effective and Humane Solution

To mitigate the escalating crisis, the NSW Government is seeking your input on incorporating aerial shooting as an additional control method for feral horses.

Based on the best available evidence, ground and aerial shooting represent the most humane and effective population control methods.

Both the RSPCA and Australian Veterinary Association endorse this approach as the most humane and effective means of population reduction, while the NSW government’s own management plan for feral horses states that ‘if undertaken in accordance with best practice, aerial shooting can have the lowest negative animal welfare impacts of all lethal control methods’.

Considering the size and geographic spread of the current feral horse population in the Alps, this is a necessary step to protect the Australian Alps.

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Help Protect Our Precious Alpine Ecosystems – Support Effective Feral Horse Control

Your Voice Matters

A vocal minority group is attempting to hijack the public submission process. Sadly, there are small groups of people who refuse to recognise that as an introduced animal, feral horses have a devastating impact on the Alpine ecosystem.

It is critical that as many people as possible participate in this process to ensure the community’s views are accurately represented.

We invite you to make a submission in support of introducing aerial shooting as a crucial strategy for feral horse population control. By submitting your feedback, you are helping to protect our unique alpine ecosystems, preserve threatened species, and safeguard Indigenous heritage. Together, we can prevent further deterioration of these vital natural treasures.

Together, let's make a difference and protect the unique beauty of our alpine environments. Submit your feedback today and help us secure a brighter future for Kosciuszko National Park.

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To The Project Team
Kosciuszko National Park Wild Horse Heritage Management Plan

I am writing to express my strong support for the NSW Government's proposal to introduce aerial shooting as a crucial method for controlling the feral horse population in Kosciuszko National Park. The alarming increase in feral horse numbers poses an imminent threat to our precious alpine ecosystems, threatened species, and Indigenous heritage.

Feral horses have proven to cause significant ecological destruction through their trampling, grazing, and erosion of sensitive habitats. The introduction of aerial shooting, in accordance with best practice, is recognized as a humane and effective solution to curb the population growth of these introduced animals.

I firmly believe that aerial shooting, alongside existing methods such as trapping and rehoming, is a necessary step to address the urgent feral horse crisis. Grounded in evidence and endorsed by respected organisations like the RSPCA and Australian Veterinary Association, aerial shooting offers the potential to minimise negative animal welfare impacts while effectively reducing the feral horse population.

I urge you to consider the well-being of our alpine ecosystems, threatened species, and Indigenous heritage when making decisions about feral horse management. It is imperative that we take swift and decisive action to ensure the long-term preservation of these vital natural resources.

Thank you for your attention to this pressing matter. I appreciate your commitment to safeguarding our environment for current and future generations.

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