Horses, Culure and Ethics: wildlife Regulation in Kosciusko National Park
- Publisher:
- Thomson Reuters
- Publication Type:
- Journal Article
- Citation:
- Environmental and Planning Law Journal, 2019, 36 pp. 674 - 691
- Issue Date:
- 2019-11-21
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Wildlife management frequently involves complex layers of conservation, protection and killing of animals, which balance ecological necessity against ethical and socio-cultural considerations. Using a case study approach, this article evaluates the New South Wales government’s recent decision to reverse a planned cull of wild horses, on the basis of cultural reasons and the controversy that has since followed that decision, The discussion assesses how decision-makers address challenges in reconciling differing stakeholder perspectives arguing that a singular focus on cultural values is flawed. In Kosciuszko National Park, this approach side-steps the tension between environmental protection and animal ethics, avoiding an important part of the debate. The experience of the United States, where wild horses and burros have been protected for their cultural value since 1971 indicates that decision-makers need to be vigilant when engaging with stakeholders, especially in the use of lethal measures. In the latter case, regulators need to be creative, not only incorporating stakeholder engagement, but also allocating sufficient funding for research and investment in alternative technologies that provide alternative choices to killing.
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