The Tragic Fate of Australia’s Wild Brumbies
Brutal Death - Photo credit: Michelle J Photography & Equine
The brutality inflicted upon Australia’s iconic Brumbies has reached a horrifying new low. A heartbreaking discovery was made in the High Country of Kosciuszko, New South Wales, where numerous Brumbies were found with multiple gunshot wounds. The photos, captured by mountain hiker Ian Brown, reveal the grotesque reality of what is being called "humane management" by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, endorsed by animal welfare agencies such as the RSPCA.
This culling has led to the devastating deaths of many of Australia’s Heritage Wild Horses, leaving people around the world to question how this action can be justified.
A Grim Discovery: The Tragedy of the High Country
Ian set out for his regular hike to check in on the Brumbies, traversing a remote area known for its unique gene pool of Palomino, Buckskin, and Grey Brumbies. What he found was a scene of unimaginable horror. Brumbies were found scattered through the tree lines. Many had broken necks, pregnant mares, young foals, and proud stallions, each one had been shot in a hail of gunfire.
Many of the horses were heavily pregnant, and their bodies bore the marks of multiple gunshots, in the back, shoulders, stomach, and legs. It’s clear that these horses didn’t receive the ‘single, clean shot’ prescribed in the management plan. The pregnant Palomino mare, found slumped over a fallen log, is a heartbreaking image that haunts the mind, she, like many others, had no escape from the relentless assault from above.
The Misuse of "Humane Culling"
The term "humane culling" has been used to describe this act of culling, but the reality is far from humane. The photos show Brumbies with multiple wounds, indicating they may have suffered immensely before finally succumbing to their injuries. One can only imagine the terror these horses experienced.
Minister Penny Sharpe and the Government's Role
Minister Penny Sharpe, the New South Wales Minister for Environment, Heritage, Climate Change, and Energy, has a critical role to play in this issue. Under her watch, the National Parks and Wildlife Service has carried out this act of culling.
The justification given for this inhumane treatment is often rooted in the claim that these horses are ‘feral’ and pose a threat to the environment. These horses are consistently labelled as ‘feral’—a term that fails to recognise their heritage and wild status. These horses are not feral; they are wild, having been born, lived, and with families that have thrived in these remote areas for well over 200 years. They are part of Australia’s cultural and natural heritage.
The Global Outcry for Change
Since the park reopened, hundreds of Brumbies have been found dead in the tree lines, away from the open plains. These Brumbies deserve to be respected. Together we can push for a change in how these magnificent animals are managed.
A Call for Action
Together, we can give these Brumbies the voice they deserve. Share this story far and wide. Help us spread the word. Together, we can make a difference.