About Parks Victoria’s feral horse rehoming program

Feral horses are present in significant numbers in two areas managed by Parks Victoria - the Victorian Alps (particularly the Alpine National Park) and Barmah National Park.

Parks Victoria works with community and experts to design and deliver programs that can help control feral horse populations in these areas and is committed to rehoming feral horses to the extent that suitable rehoming applicants can be found.

Parks Victoria will continue to meet community demand in providing captured horses to rehoming locations that comply with standards for animal welfare.

Please be aware that this program is not for everyone, the feral horses removed from the parks are wild animals. You need to demonstrate the skills and capacity to properly care for these animals to be accepted into the program. You will need to be prepared to train and care for the horse/s should you choose to accept ownership of them.

For more context about this program and information about feral horses in Victoria, visit www.parks.vic.gov.au/get-into-nature/conservation-and-science/conserving-our-parks/feral-animals/feral-horses.

Criteria for rehoming a feral horse

To rehome a feral horse you must meet the following criteria:

• You or your organisation’s principal officer or Director must be aged 18 years or over

• You must not have committed any offences under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986

• You will have suitable property and containment facilities for the number of horses held

• Your property is within 5 hours travel distance from where trapping operations are due to occur, if your property is located more than five hours, you may require an agreement in place for a holding yard within 5 hours travel.

• If your property is located more than five hours travel (with horses in tow) from the trapping site, you must provide a veterinary statement indicating your property is suitable for keeping horses in support of the EOI, photo evidence and a completed checklist provided by Parks Victoria (on request if required).

• Your property will have a current property identification code (PIC) and you can supply these details. This can be obtained through the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (DJPR). If you do not have a current PIC or require further information, please contact the DJPR by phoning the PIC hotline on 1800 678 779.

• Any horse accepted as part of the rehoming program will be inspected by the new owner daily.

• Be prepared to participate in an interview with a Parks Victoria officer prior to you being accepted as a participant. Parks Victoria will contact you to discuss your involvement should this be required.

• Allow a property inspection when required or supply photographs and the location of the property where you propose to hold the rehomed horse(s).

• You can demonstrate capacity to train and handle unbroken horses.

• You can supply a reference from an equine practitioner demonstrating the above ability.

• Currently have domesticated horses in your care to ensure the new animals have company.

• Have access to all equipment that will help you safely and legally transport the animal from the Alpine National Park or the Barmah National Park exchange location to your property or holding location.

• You can obtain a veterinarian check, microchipping and vaccination of horses accepted as part of the program at your own cost.

• You will keep records of the sale or handover of the horse to a third party (if this occurs), including the name, contact details, property address, and condition of the horse when sold or exchanged.

• Be committed to undertake all veterinary and husbandry requirements for the animal and cover all costs associated with ongoing care and treatment.

• Must be able to comply with Council regulations regarding animal ownership.

• Must be able to receive horses at very short notice and at any time, after having been contacted earlier by Parks Victoria and being informed that trapping will be occurring over a specified timeframe.

• At the agreed time and location, be present or have a known representative present at horse pickup/drop-off point.

• Can provide a mobile phone number that can receive images and information on horses being offered for rehoming from Parks Victoria should this be required.

You must meet the criteria outlined above for your Expression of Interest to be considered.

**No closing date provided please confirm with the issuer.**