A NSW Government website
Environment and Heritage
Environment and Heritage

Applications open to register for Kosciuszko wild horse rehoming

Department media releaseKosciuszko National ParkPest animals and weedsPark managementNational Parks and Wildlife ServiceAnimals and plantsNews and media releases

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is now taking applications to become registered to rehome wild horses from Kosciuszko National Park.

Following recommendations made in the Wild Horse Rehoming Program review, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) has updated the NPWS wild horse rehoming program.

This review contained four key recommendations which are now reflected in the rehoming guidelines, application form and other related documents.

Updated documents align with NPWS statutory functions and confirm horse ownership and welfare responsibility is transferred to rehomers upon collection from NPWS temporary holding yards by or on behalf of the owner.

The revised guidelines reduce the risk of adverse welfare outcomes by:

  • Requiring that registration as a rehomer must be renewed every 12 months, ensuring regular review against rehoming guidelines.
  • Requiring each application for registration to be accompanied by a reference from a registered vet attesting to the experience of the rehomer.
  • Requiring each rehomer to expressly commit to meeting all relevant welfare standards.
  • Requiring that applicants declare if they are on the Racing NSW Excluded List or have ever been convicted of an animal welfare offence.
  • Provides that an annual return must be submitted.
  • Including a broad provision for NPWS to refuse or cancel registration at any time if NPWS believes there is a risk to welfare.
  • Supporting the registration process through stronger exchange of information with Racing NSW, RSPCA (NSW) and Local Land Services (LLS).
  • Requiring additional information in support of an application to be registered as a rehomer including proof of identity and information about how the applicant meets minimum standards for transport, yarding and paddocking.

Due to the updated guidelines, previously approved groups and individuals must reapply to become a registered rehomer under the program.

Further information on rehoming a Kosciuszko wild horse can be found here.

Contact us

Media

Email: [email protected]