A New Track Needed for Alpine Brumby Management
For pdf file of this ABA media release <click here>
For a pdf file of the Victorian Brumby Association media release <click here>
The release of Greater Alpine National Park wild horse numbers report highlights the need to monitor impacts from ALL introduced species. Why is there no comparison of horse numbers with other species capable of a negative impact on the Park such as cattle, pigs, goats dogs. The ABA appreciates the report’s attempt to understand the complex issues involved but further research is needed to identify horse numbers able to co-exist in the environment as happened for over 100 years before National Park was proclaimed in 1944. The ABA again urges NSW & Victorian Governments and Park Management to find a humane, long term, approach for ALL species considered over abundant
The ABA supports the report’s view that Brumby management controls are complex due to historical significance and that ‘effective, acceptable control methods are yet to be identified’. To date the ABA has been unable to gain access to liaison/advice committee groups that advise on horse management. ABA member charity groups have developed technical skills in humane trapping, taming and rehoming over several years. The ABA urges government to truly recognize the Brumby’s Cultural Heritage value by assisting rehoming charities. It costs around $20,000 to set-up infrastructure for trucking, fencing, pen/crush gelding and feed.
The report mentions Brumby running as a control method in the Alpine region. The ABA strongly objects to permit-based brumby running. Why should Brumbies be used by a sport based Association, chased by dogs (dogs are excluded from Parks for good reason) then tied on one meter of rope until enough are roped to truck to abattoirs.
The Dawson Report should be a signal to governments that new directions need to be taken. But the Australian Brumby Alliance fears the report statistics will once again trigger a “knee jerk” reaction back to bullets. How many lethal culls will it take to realise they are not the answer to population control? On the surface, the problem seems solved but soon numbers are back and another lethal cull is commissioned. This report advises ‘other management techniques such as Fertility Control need further investigation for their efficacy in alpine regions’. Critics say fertility control for Brumbies will not reduce vast Brumby numbers and therefore not worth pursuing or too costly. But let’s look at the facts. No funding is allocated to Brumby fertility control making it impossible to progress this option. PZP fertility control vaccine, used on American Mustangs, is available now and delivered by a dart gun. Other vaccines have promise but the greatest challenge is the lack of political will and funding to advance research and programs in this area.
The ABA ran a Brumby fertility control seminar late 2009 and wants Brumby fertility control trials conducted in Park areas. These solutions are not a quick fix, but without investing true long term solutions we are not moving forward to the 22nd century but reverting back to the 19th century in terms of ethical, humane and effective control of over abundant species.
Please make your commentsto Stuart Cohen, New South Wales Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water on 02 62297126 email stuart.cohen@environment.nsw.gov.au
...