11/06/2026
An open letter written from the heart…
An Open Letter to the NSW Environment Minister Regarding the Killing of Horses in Kosciuszko National Park
Dear Minister,
I write to you regarding the ongoing killing of wild horses in Kosciuszko National Park.
Few issues have generated as much community concern and distress as the mass aerial shooting taking place right now.
The last Government aerial shooting program was horrendous - as many feared it would be. Horses were found with multiple bullet wounds. Foals were killed, while others were left orphaned and vulnerable to starvation or predation.
Many people were concerned we would see a repeat of the Guy Fawkes aerial shooting program. In some ways, what happened may have been even worse.
That's why this second killing program has ignited even more outrage. It has highlighted to the public that these large killing programs do not work. The Government claim to have killed thousands of horses, but now claim the numbers have skyrocketed again. If this is true, what this points out is that aerial shooting is a band aid solution- it is not a long-term solution. The Government cannot justify further aerial shooting - period.
I want to you to take a moment to think about each of the animals this decision effects. The fear, pain, and long-lingering deaths that this aerial kill will undoubtedly cause the horses residing at Kosciuszko National Park.
We both care about the environment and native animals. The protection of Kosciuszko's unique environment is exceptionally important. But animal welfare is important too. We can recognise both truths simultaneously.
As elected representatives, we have a responsibility to seek solutions that ensure both environmental protection and broader compassion are considered. This may not be the easy road- but it is the right road. It involves proper community consultation, opportunities for rehoming, considering the latest science and technology and looking towards humane long-term solutions rather than going down the route of taking action simply for a headline that implies action is being taken, when we know that the action itself will cause great suffering and no long-term solution.
I therefore ask you to immediately cease the current killing program and convene a genuine roundtable involving environmental scientists, animal welfare experts, rescue organisations, brumby advocates, regional communities and other stakeholders to identify a practical and humane way forward.
I have personally been calling for fertility control since I was elected seven years ago. The heartbreaking reality is that if governments had invested in these solutions when they were first proposed, the killing taking place today may have been avoided.
Trials have still not been started- instead a report was released criticising the old outdated technology in this space, and didn't give any proper consideration to the latest technology that overcomes those issues. It suggests either a total lack of interest in humane options, or a lack of understanding around the issue and the latest technology. No decision this great should ever be made in either of those scenarios.
This issue has become unnecessarily polarised. I am hearing rehomers are being blocked out from rescuing some of the horses. This has become an aggressive campaign by the Government - it is heavy handed for no reason, and the victims of this will be the animals.
We must stop 'picking sides' for political purposes, and instead stop and find the best solutions for all involved.
I urge you to show that leadership now. The shooting must stop, and a humane path forward must be found.
Yours sincerely,
Emma Hurst MP
Member of the Legislative Council
