The New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service has halted all ground shooting operations under the wild horse management plan in Kosciuszko National Park while a review is being undertaken.
Warning: this story contains photos that may distress some people.
The state's Environment Minister James Griffin ordered a review into the implementation of the plan last week, following the discovery of 11 horses that were shot dead in the national park.
The New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) said in a statement its staff were required, "by law," to reduce the number of feral horses in Kosciuszko National Park from 14,000 to 3,000 by 2027.
"NPWS must undertake a range of control measures including trapping and rehoming and ground shooting," a spokesperson said.
"Passive trapping and rehoming are prioritised, where practicable and consistent with the highest welfare outcomes."
Wild horse advocates raised concerns about the method of killing the 11 horses at Kiandra, which sparked the review.
NPWS said those horses found dead at Kiandra were culled by staff conducting ground shooting in accordance "with the highest animal welfare standards."
"RSPCA NSW has independently responded to animal cruelty complaints received," the spokesperson said.
"Their investigation found no evidence of a breach under the NSW Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act 1979."
It also dismissed reports that the horses bled to death or were shot in the gut.
Balanced approach needed
Monaro MP Nichole Overall said there were a number of other elements of the plan that also needed to be addressed in the review.
"[That includes] the carcass management of the animals that have been left behind," she said.
"There are concerns that it hasn't been properly addressed."
Ms Overall said it was important to assure the community that a balanced approach was being taken.
"It's finding that balance managing the horses and also preserving the most vulnerable wilderness areas of the park," she said.
"This is what we have to ensure is occurring, in line with the intent of the management plan."
The review will be extended to also look at the safety measures used in other feral animal operations in Kosciuszko National Park.
NPWS staff are undertaking other programs to control the number of feral pigs, foxes, dogs, deer and goats.
The review of the implementation of the wild horse management plan is expected to be complete by October 4.
