A return to traditional brumby control methods - that's what the Mountain Cattlemen's Association of Victoria wants to see happen in the high country.
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The group have come out in support of both the brumby-lovers who have stopped, for now, the planned cull in the alpine areas, but also Park's Victoria's plan to control numbers.
Horsemen and women are in the alpine area trying to muster brumbies onto private property before Parks Victoria are allowed to continue the cull from June 1.
MCAV president Bruce McCormack said "finding a humane way to balance wild horse numbers" was the important issue.
"This is an issue that strikes at the heart of every Australian," he said.
We wish to make it clear, the MCAV supports practical management of the brumbies - but we certainly do not agree with mindlessly heading out and shooting them
- Bruce McCormack
"People are disgusted that Parks Victoria has been given the green light to shoot a piece of Australia's living heritage."
Mr McCormack said the MCAV recognises brumby numbers had risen since cattlemen were removed from their grazing runs.
"We wish to make it clear, the MCAV supports practical management of the brumbies - but we certainly do not agree with mindlessly heading out and shooting them," he said.
"I would like to see traditional brumby management techniques re-introduced, including the approach of trapping, running and mustering brumby herds."
IN OTHER NEWS:
MCAV recommends re-homing suitable animals with discretion for condition, age and sex.
"There should be a balance struck between best land management practices as recommended by cattlemen and brumby numbers - we need to remember they are a national icon, a tourism attraction and a piece of living history," he said.
