Parks Victoria given green light to cull feral horses in Victoria’s Alpine region
A plan to catch and kill hundreds of wild horses to protect the state’s Alpine environment has been approved after two years of court battles.
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Hundreds of wild horses in Victoria’s Alpine areas will be caught and killed under a state government plan following a federal-court decision giving it the green light.
The Andrews Government Protection of the Alpine National Park — Feral Horse Strategic Plan 2018-2021, has been allowed to go ahead following two years of court battles.
The decision has ruled in favour of Parks Victoria, paving the way for up to 400 animals to be trapped and removed each year, under the original plan.
Authorities will attempt to rehome as many animals as possible however, many will have diseases, physical issues and unsuitable temperaments and will have to be destroyed.
Australian Brumby Alliance spokeswoman Colleen O’Brien said she was “shattered” by the decision, which will allow culling from May 18.
“We could be seeing an irreversible loss of animals within weeks,” she said.
Invasive Species Council CEO Andrew Cox welcomed the decision.
“We congratulate the Victorian Government for pushing forward using sound science and the law.
“The Federal Court of Australia has ruled that the Australian Alps national heritage listing does not extend to the thousands of hard-hooved feral horses that roam the alps today,” Mr Cox said.
“The court’s decision clearly affirms that Parks Victoria’s responsibility is to manage the Alpine National Park for the conservation of its unique native plants and animals.
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