Kosciuszko wild horse shooting paused into 2027 as legal battle continues
Wild horse shooting in Kosciuszko National Park stays paused into 2027. A population survey is underway. Legal battles continue.
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service paused all shooting. The pause covers aerial, ground, and trap yard shooting.
A winter operation had removed 1,039 horses. Passive trapping for rehoming is still happening.
This raises welfare concerns during foaling season. Independent MLC Mark Latham introduced the Wild Horses Bill 2026.
It proposes a ban on aerial shooting statewide and greater community role in management. Two court challenges are pending.
One questions the legal authority for trapping. Another is scheduled for February 2027 and will challenge the legality of the entire shooting program.
Horse numbers are disputed. The last survey estimated between 6,476 and 16,411 horses in the park.
The existing management plan allows 3,000 horses in designated areas. It requires horses to be removed from the remainder by 30 June, 2027.
- 1,039 horses
- Horses removed
- 6,476 to 16,411 horses
- Population estimate range
- 3,000 horses
- Allowed in plan
- 30 June 2027
- Removal deadline
Why it mattersThe park's fragile ecosystems and threatened species are at risk. Wild horse welfare is also at stake. So is whether lethal control should continue.
AustraliaNSW's approach to managing invasive species in a national park will set a precedent for balancing environmental protection with animal welfare and community input.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
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