Wild horse control
Mr MEDDICK (Western Victoria) (11:43): My question is for the minister for the environment and is in regard to the imminent slaughter of wild horses across Victoria. The Animal Justice Party is very concerned about the tender put out for shooters to kill brumbies in the Barmah state forest and Alpine National Park. Wild horses, like all horses, are smart and social. They depend greatly on their herd, forming strong bonds. It is hard to comprehend the fear and distress that ground and aerial shooting will cause them, particularly when it comes to mares with foals. As is the story with so many non-native species, they are where they are due to no fault of their own. It is humans who have caused this problem, yet we resort to the most extreme forms of violence as a proposed solution. Will the minister cancel this planned shooting due to widespread community opposition?
Mr LEANE (Eastern Metropolitan—Minister for Local Government, Minister for Suburban Development, Minister for Veterans) (11:44): Thank you, Mr Meddick, for your question. I will definitely make sure your question is passed on to the minister for environment and also your concerns and make sure that you get a response, as is indicated in the standing orders.
Mr MEDDICK (Western Victoria) (11:44): Thank you, Minister, for doing that. By way of supplementary, we acknowledge the impact that wild horses have on the environment and the need for a solution. There are many non-lethal alternatives to killing introduced species. For brumbies there are options like capture and rehoming, and immunocontraceptives. These alternatives allow for an effective reduction in population without harming the animals in the process. Has the government explored any of these alternatives?
Mr LEANE (Eastern Metropolitan—Minister for Local Government, Minister for Suburban Development, Minister for Veterans) (11:45): Thank you, Mr Meddick, for your supplementary question, and I will make sure the minister for environment gets that question and responds to you in line with what is prescribed in the standing orders.