Arabic version: تعليق الإعدام الجوي في يورايرغير بانتظار إجراءات قضائية

According to ABC News, aerial culling and trapping operations in Yuraygir National Park and the adjoining State Conservation Area have been suspended after brumby advocate Carmen Jackson sought an urgent court injunction. The planned five-day operation, targeting feral horses, pigs, foxes and deer in the park north of Coffs Harbour, was due to begin on Monday.

Ms Jackson filed her application in the Land and Environment Court at about 1am on Monday, arguing that the National Parks and Wildlife Service did not have statutory authority to carry out brumby culls in Yuraygir National Park. Justice Rachel Pepper adjourned the matter, with final hearings set to begin on September 9 so both sides can gather evidence.

Justice Pepper said there was “urgency involved” and noted that the department had given an undertaking in good faith at short notice. Nicholas Sandstrom, principal legal officer for the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, told the court the department would “suspend trappings and all operations until that date”.

A NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service spokesperson said the agency acknowledged the proceedings and would comply with court directions. The spokesperson confirmed that aerial operations, ground shooting and trapping would be halted, adding that animal welfare was a high priority and operations were conducted under strict procedures. The agency said it would be inappropriate to comment further while the matter was before the court.

The case has renewed debate over wild-horse control. Ms Jackson said she opposed brumby control measures and described brumbies as Australian heritage and sentient beings on Country. Clarence state MP Richie Williamson welcomed the pause, while Professor David Watson of Charles Sturt University said feral horses were highly destructive to habitats and native wildlife because ecosystems had no evolutionary history with large hoofed animals.