Mr. Debus today released an interim report by the head of Sydney University's Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Dr Tony English, on the aerial culling of horses in the Guy Fawkes River National Park.

"This initial report relates to the specific Guy Fawkes operation, which Dr English concludes was planned and carried out in a professional manner by the National Parks and Wildlife Service." Mr Debus said.

"Dr English will now review all the procedures and protocols governing NPWS operations for the culling of feral animals before making a final report"

Mr Debus said in keeping with community expectations, he had ruled out any future aerial culling of feral horses in national parks.

"A better way must be found to control these feral animal. I am determined that it will be found." he said.

I accept that the heavy weight of scientific opinion is that aerial culling is, in many circumstances, an acceptable method as a last resort and that it is a method employed in a number of other states and territories.

"However, I have listened to the community on this issue. The close bonds between humans and horses and their place in the history of our country mean that this sort of operation is unacceptable to a great many people.

"A detailed Code of Practice for the capture and transport of feral horses now will be urgently developed to guide all future operations to control feral horse populations in national parks".

Mr Debus said he had extended Dr English's terms of reference in order for him to develop this code, in consultation with the NPWS, Department of Agriculture, RSPCA, the Australian Veterinary Association, Rural Lands Protection Boards and other interested and community groups.

"I also have asked him to develop - again in consultation with key organisations - an acceptable plan re reduce the number of horses remaining in Guy Fawkes National Park. I repeat, this will not involve aerial culling."

Mr Debus said feral animals would not be allowed to remain unchecked in national parks.

"Their numbers must be controlled. Dr English's report makes clear the significant environmental damage these horses cause, such as erosion, spread of weeds, overgrazing and fouling the waterholes." he said. "They also compete with native fauna for scarce food and water and can carry serious diseases, which could be passed to other livestock, threatening farmer' livlihoods."

Mr Debus said he has already referred the interim report to the management committee of the Feral Animals Aerial Shooters Training Course (FAAST), asking the committee to work with Dr English to review current aerial shooting protocols for all species as part of his ongoing investigation.

"In line with Dr English's recommendations, the Government will provide funding for studies on improving the methods of assessing the impacts of feral horses and options for their management in a range of habitats.

"National Parks also will work with Department of Agriculture and Rural Lands Protection Boards and community groups on an education program about the harm feral animals cause our environment."

Dr English's report is separate from the RSPCA investigation into potential breaches of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. A copy of Dr English's report has been referred to the RSPCA for its information.

Media contact: Kate Woods 9995 6500/ 0408 464 809
November 16 2000.

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