Bullets for Snowy Mountains brumbies that wander across the Victorian border

THE wild Snowy Mountains brumbies will be protected in NSW, but those that wander across the border into Victoria are set to be shot.

• Snowy brumbies to be saved by heritage status
• ‘Grey Mob’ brumbies a protected species under new plan

THE wild Snowy Mountains brumbies might be protected in NSW but those that wander across the border into Victoria will be at risk of being shot.

While the NSW government has introduced a draft bill to protect the wild horses roaming Kosciuszko National Park, the Victorian government has approved plans to remove more than 1200 feral horses from its side of the park.

Those that cannot be rehomed will be “euthanased”.

The government has called on NSW to work together to protect the alpine region.

Brumbies which wander over to Victoria are not protected and may be shot. Picture: Stephen Cooper

However, NSW Nationals leader John Barilaro said it was up to Victoria to manage its population, although he stressed his “brumby bill” also involved reducing numbers through rehoming.

Mr Barilaro, whose seat of Monaro is home to one of the most photographed brumby mobs, said his bill was designed to ensure the horses’ place in the park was recognised.

Victorian environment minister Lily D’Ambrosio said the animals were causing “significant damage” to threatened plant and animal species.

A NSW Scientific Committee draft report on the brumbies’ effect on the environment is on exhibition until June 22.

* Follow Linda Silmalis on Twitter @LindaSilmalis or email [e-mail]