Australia to Cull 14,000 Wild Horses by Shooting from Helicopters

Introduction

Australia has announced plans to conduct aerial shootings of wild horses in an effort to cull 14,000 of them. The government of New South Wales has authorized this method as part of a larger initiative to reduce the population of wild horses at one of its largest national parks. The decision comes after a trial period, during which officials shot 270 horses over two days. The government believes that the use of helicopters is necessary to meet their goal of reducing the population to 3,000 by 2027.

Rationale for Culling

The horses, known as feral horses or brumbies, are descendants of escaped or lost horses brought to Australia by European settlers. However, they are considered pests due to their negative impact on the environment. These horses can compact and erode soil, defecate in water sources, and damage trees by chewing on them. Additionally, their overpopulation can disrupt ecosystems and pose a threat to native animal species. The horses may also cause damage to crops and interfere with farming activities.

Aerial Shooting Program

The aerial shooting program involves firing on the horses from helicopters. During the trial period, veterinarians accompanied the operatives in the helicopters to ensure animal welfare. The veterinarians also inspected some of the horses on the ground and found no adverse events. The shooting process was quick, with a median time of 5 seconds from shooting to insensibility. On average, each horse required 7.5 shots to be killed. Based on the success of the trial, the government has decided to move forward with the aerial shootings to achieve their population reduction targets.

Opposition and Controversy

Supporters of the wild horses argue that they are part of Australia's heritage and oppose the culling efforts. They believe that the government's assessment of the horse population is flawed and have called for a recount. Organizations like Save the Brumbies advocate for alternative methods, such as rehoming the animals or implementing fertility control measures. The charity founder, Jan Carter, submitted a plea to the Australian parliament, emphasizing that the horses deserve protection and recognition rather than being targeted for culling.

The tensions over horse culling have escalated to the point of threats against government officials. In September 2022, a letter was received by a Kosciuszko National Park office, threatening to "firebomb" the location. These incidents highlight the deep divide in public opinion regarding the culling of wild horses.

Conclusion

The decision to conduct aerial shootings of wild horses in Australia has sparked controversy and debate. While the government aims to address the environmental and agricultural issues caused by the horses, opponents argue for alternative solutions. The culling program will continue as planned, with the government believing it is necessary to achieve the population reduction targets set for the national park. The fate of Australia's wild horses remains uncertain as stakeholders on both sides of the debate continue to voice their concerns and opinions.

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By: mloh@businessinsider.com (Matthew Loh)
Title: Australia to Cull 14,000 Wild Horses by Shooting from Helicopters
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/australia-shoot-wild-horses-brumbies-helicopter-new-south-wales-2023-12
Published Date: Thu, 07 Dec 2023 04:25:58 +0000