05/31/2022
BREAKING NEWS: IMMUNO-CONTRACEPTION
We finally achieved a long-held goal to see a contraception alternative utilised as a long term management option for the Kaimanawa wild horses!!
After a long number of years spent researching the options and working through the various logistics associated with each one, we are incredibly pleased to say that a Contraception Programme has begun with the Kaimanawa Horses following the 2022 re-homing muster.
With 60 mares now treated with the immuno-contraception GonaCon Equine, we have started the process to reduce the reproduction rate in the wild herd and thereby start to reduce the need for annual re-homing musters.
A new Kaimanawa Wild Horse Long Term Management Plan is currently being prepared which will now include both re-homing and fertility control as the two methods of choice for the ongoing management of the wild herd.
The overall herd size will not be reduced below the agreed number in the management plan with all parties agreeing that a herd of Kaimanawa Horses has the right to stay in their home.
The current management plan has proven that it is in the best interests of the horses to keep the herd size at a managed number so our hope now is that we can see contraception as a way of reducing the impact and frequency of re-homing musters.
KHH would like to thank the members of the Kaimanawa Wild Horse Advisory Group for their support in seeing this option implemented.
- Department of Conservation
- NZ Defence Force
- Forest & Bird
- SPCA
- NZ Animal Ethics Councils
- Our amazing vets & muster operations team
For more information visit www.kaimanawaheritagehorses.org/contraception
We would also like to thank the public for their support in seeing this alternative management option become a reality. If you would like to help us make sure the application of contraception continues then please consider donating to our Contraception Fund so we can continue to drive this initiative forward.