The ABA advocates for humane management of wild horses. To this end, we are involved with a number or projects that aim to either progress best practice or expose and eliminate cruelty. Where possible, we endeavor to work with governments and organisations such as the RSPCA and Animals Australia to achieve acceptable outcomes.
Key examples of humane management include :
Passive Trapping, Fertility Control and Rehoming
Humane management is not a quick fix one size fits all solution. It involves a long term plan that requires multiple strategies appropriate to the area and population that needs control. Some might question such an approach if they are of the view that Australian Brumbies are just worthless feral animals that destroy the environment. But while our Australian landscape and environment needs protection, we refute the premise that this justifies, or indeed requires, cruelty to selected species.
All so-called “feral” animals were brought to Australia by human beings, to do something for human beings and have then been mis-mananged by human beings. And now, rather than deliberately and maliciously destroying the environment, they are just trying to survive the best they can. If we can put a human on the moon, if we can spend millions on elite sport, then why can’t we spend a fraction of what that costs to acheive humane control of over-abundant species and in doing so, take responsibility for own actions?
Arguably, the horse has been the most important species to mankind. For over 4000 years these animals have been instrumental in transport, exploration, defence, agriculture, recreation and pleasure. They have travelled side by side with us, tolerating the intolerable by many humans. Only in our very recent history has the horse played a lessor role as technology takes over. And despite the indesputable and invaluable role they have played in developing OUR present culture and lifestyle, there are still some in our society that believe the wild Australian Brumby is worthy or nothing more than bullets and torture.
