The control program is implemented in accordance with the 2008 Kosciuszko National Park Horse Management Plan. The program utilises passive trapping and removal from the park and has occurred annually since 2002 (except for 2018 when control did not occur).
The control program adheres to relevant State and Commonwealth guidelines and procedures to minimise the risk to the welfare of horses.
Spring 2019
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) completed a control program for wild horses in Kosciuszko National Park in spring 2019. The control program targeted the Blue Waterholes campground area, where there was a need to manage interactions between the public and wild horses to support safety objectives.
Control program outcomes
- Program dates: 15 October to 15 November 2019
- Number of trapping days: 16
- Horses removed: 99 (67 stallions, 24 mares, 8 yearlings and 0 foals)
- Horses rehomed: 68
- Horses sent to knackery: 28
- Total deaths: 3
- Non-trapping related deaths: 2
- 1 mare euthanised under veterinary and RSPCA advice due to poor condition (Body Condition Score 1)
- 1 colt euthanised under veterinary advice due to poor body condition and infected leg wound
- Trapping related deaths: 1
- 1 stallion died while being held in the trap yards due to a suspected head injury. No other horses were injured. Horse deaths in trap yards are a very rare occurrence in the history of NPWS' trapping and removal program.
- Non-trapping related deaths: 2
- Horses released: 25
Summer 2019–20
NPWS is planning a control program for wild horses in the northern and southern ends of Kosciuszko National Park commencing in early 2020. Further information will be made available prior to the program's commencement.