Brumbies slaughter in Barmah forest

[pies4ever]

Brumbies slaughter
Anthony Black
March 25, 2007

SHOOTERS have been slaughtering brumbies, emus and kangaroos in the Barmah Forest between Echuca and Tocumwal.

Wildlife officers are investigating a number of incidents where wild horses have been illegally shot in recent weeks, including the Labour Day long weekend.

Paul Walsh, publican of the Picola Hotel near Echuca, said he suspected "city hoons" were responsible.

He said several local campers had been visibly upset after seeing dead horses on the forest floor. One brumby had bled to death after being shot in the stomach.

"It's disgusting behaviour, there's no other way to describe it," he said.

"The locals are very upset."

Mr Walsh said he had lived in the region for about six years and the long weekend killings were the first such incidents he had heard of.

"Anything like this gives the Government another reason or excuse to make the Barmah Forest a national park," he said.

"Then it would end up like Wilsons Promontory where you would have to book to get in, or possibly pay some fee at the gate."

A Department of Sustainability and Environment spokesman said it was a criminal offence under the Forests Act to shoot horses in a state forest.

http://www.news.com.au/sundayheraldsun/story/0,21985,21440288-2862,00.html

[PiesOnCollins]

I like Barmah forest, the greens-party met down there ,but the poor horses, gee, i would like to shoot the shooter if it was allowed.