A brumby is a wild horse. When Europeans first came to Australia they brought with them a variety of animals including horses. There have been wild populations in many parts of Australia ever since. The role of these horses in history, both during war and peace, has given them a special place in many Australian hearts.
But their rights are equal to any other introduced animals and are covered in our Introduced Animals policy.
Where environmental degredation from brumbies is demonstrated then non-lethal control measures should be implemented if proven necessary.
The current killing campaigns in some states impose horrific suffering on these animals by using helicopter shooting; this impacts not only the animals shot, but those who may endure severe injuries during efforts to escape.
National legislative protection is required as a matter of urgency.
Key Objectives
- Give brumbies full legal protection. In particular aerial shooting of brumbies must cease; it is unjustified and inhumane.
- Support programs that educate the public on the cruel and environmentally negative impacts of killing brumbies. Brumbies digestive processes do not destroy seeds and can spread them over large distances and encourage revegetation. Their droppings make good fertiliser. Education should focus on their beauty and historic significance.