NSW Environment Minister defends Kosciuszko brumby cull

NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe has corrected testimony regarding the welfare of wild horses, known as brumbies, during an aerial cull in Kosciuszko National Park. During a Budget Estimates hearing, Sharpe initially stated that horses shot from helicopters become “insentient and mostly dead within 30 seconds,” but later corrected this figure to five to eight seconds.

The hearing involved intense scrutiny from Upper House MPs and officials from the National Parks and Wildlife Service regarding the necessity and methods of the cull. Independent MLC Mark Latham called for an end to aerial shooting, citing widespread public grief among horse lovers.

Minister Sharpe defended the program, asserting it is essential to protect alpine grasslands and waterways from damage caused by the horse population. She noted that over 7,000 horses have been removed from the park in recent years, including approximately 1,000 during a winter operation in June and July. Sharpe also addressed concerns regarding the number of shots fired per animal, stating that high-grade weapons are used with multiple rounds to ensure the animals die quickly.