Gigantic
Brownlow Medallist
There are growing calls for aerial shooting to be taken off the table as a way to cull a herd of wild ponies living in the Singleton military area.
Animal welfare groups, politicians and the community are lobbying the federal government to find a better way to manage the situation.
Hunter MP Joel Fitzgibbon and Defence Minister Christopher Pyne’s offices have been inundated with calls from unhappy voters this week.
It comes after Hunter Valley Brumby Association was tipped off about the aerial cull and told it had been scheduled for December 18 and 19.
The Department of Defence says there is not enough feed and water to sustain the 100 to 150 ponies that are living on the Singleton Training Area and aerial control is "a last resort option to ensure training activities are not impacted" and range users and the public remain safe.
Defence blamed the drought for the poor conditions, saying it unsuccessfully attempted to re-home the herd in 2014 and feral animal control was part of its land management activities.
https://www.maitlandmercury.com.au/...e-growing-calls-to-find-a-better-way/?cs=3731
One of many examples going on today. Another being shark culling.
Is it right? Is it wrong? Is there an alternative?