English Reports on feral horse management in national parks and reserves

Report 1: On the cull of feral horses in Guy Fawkes River National Park

Following the culling of feral horses in Guy Fawkes River National Park in October 2000, the Minister for the Environment commissioned an independent review to examine the broad protocols and procedures for the culling of feral animals by the NPWS, including an examination of the Guy Fawkes operation.

The review was carried out by Associate Professor Tony English, Head of the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney and President of the Australian Veterinary Association's Wildlife Special Interest Group

Professor English reported to the Minister in November 2000. An executive summary of the report can be viewed below.

Documents to download

• English Report executive summary (PDF - 28KB)

Report 2: A management plan for feral horses in Guy Fawkes River National Park

Professor English also made recommendations in March 2001 on the long-term management of the remaining horses in the park.

These included:

• the establishment of a Heritage Working Party to assess the heritage value of the horses
• a moratorium on the removal of any horses until the Working Party has completed its study
• NPWS continue to evaluate the environmental effects in the park associated with the removal of the horses
• the removal of any horses from the park to be carried out only after consultation with experienced stockmen, veterinarians and the RSPCA.

The full text of Professor English's report can be viewed below.

Documents to download

• English report on horse management in Guy Fawkes River National Park (PDF - 60KB)

Report 3: On the management of feral horses in NSW national parks and reserves

In September 2001, a third English Report was released, into the NPWS's management of feral horses in national parks and other reserves throughout NSW. The report:

• reviewed NPWS feral horse control programs across the state
• suggested ways to improve wild horse management in national parks and reserves
• recommended new research, to investigate the impact of feral horses on native environments
• recommended a code of practice for capturing and transporting feral horses.

You can download the full text of Professor English's third report below.

Documents to download

• English report on horse management in national parks in NSW (PDF - 97KB)
  

Page last updated: 26 February 2011