The NSW Environment Minister is in for a draining election campaign if answers on a herd of brumbies slaughtered aren’t produced.

An entire herd of 11 horses, including a number of heavily-pregnant mares, were wiped out in an on-foot shooting believed to have occurred last Sunday.

Many were not killing shots, meaning the horses were left to slowly and painfully bleed out from their injuries.

Brumby advocates suspect NSW National Parks and Wildlife (NPWS) was responsible for the slaughter.

When The Ray Hadley Morning Show yesterday contacted NPWS for a statement on the incident, the department did not immediately deny involvement.

Environment Minister James Griffin, who Ray said was “strangely unavailable” today, denied a request for an interview.

“Well, I’ve got a tip for you, James – I don’t think I’ve ever spoken with you, privately or on-air – but I have a history over the last 25 or 30 years of not relenting.

“I’ll drive you cuckoo right up until the election, demanding an answer as to whether National Parks and Wildlife had anything to do with the slaughter of these 11 horses, including mares in foal.”

Press PLAY below to hear Ray’s livid reaction to the government response below 

Read the full statement from a NSW National Parks and Wildlife spokesperson below: 

“NPWS is implementing wild horse control in accordance with the Kosciuszko National Park Wild Horse Heritage Management Plan. The Plan balances protection of the heritage value of wild horses and maintaining the exceptional conservation values of the park.

“All control measures under the Plan are required to meet the highest possible animal welfare standards. These standards are being met.

“To protect the safety of NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) staff, contractors and visitors, and the welfare of wild horses, operational details about control will not be publicly released.

“A short statement summarising the outcome of control programs will be made publicly available every six months.”

Image: Snowy Brumby Photography Adventures with Michelle and Ian / Facebook