MEMBERS of the Barmah Brumby Preservation Group (BBPG) are calling on urgent public donations to help set up a sanctuary property to rehome up to 100 brumbies set for slaughter in the Barmah National Park.
The organisation, which has fought Parks Victoria plans to cull horse numbers in the park from an estimated 540 down to about 100, is hoping the 300-acre sanctuary property will be an alternative to culling.
The Barmah National Park, east of Echuca on the Murray River, is jointly managed by Parks Victoria and the Traditional Owners, the Yorta Yorta nation.
In February last year, Parks Victoria released their four-year strategic plan for the park, which included bringing the total number of horses down to 100, with total eradication as a longer-term aim.
President of the Barmah Brumby Preservation Group, Julie Pridmore, said her group disputes the Parks Victoria estimate of 540 horses, saying instead she believes the number to be closer to 240.
She said that despite the dispute, Parks Victoria had agreed to help the BBPG with some fencing, trapping and transporting of the horses, however the property must be ready by March to avoid culling.
“It would be a good outcome for everyone, including Parks Victoria,” she said.
The group is now seeking donations to raise $80K to facilitate the establishment of the property. Ms Pridmore said donations of hay, fencing and supplies would also be welcomed.
