What happened to the domestic horses on the Thurloo Downs property?

The NSW Parks and Wildlife Service accidentally shot and killed 5 domestic horses during an aerial cull on the Thurloo Downs property, which was in the process of becoming a national park.

How did the NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe respond to the incident?

Minister Sharpe admitted to the "unfortunate incident" and stated that the NSPWS staff were unaware the horses were in the designated shoot area. She apologized for the "very unfortunate accident" and said a review will be conducted to prevent such incidents in the future.

What is the Thurloo Downs property?

Thurloo Downs is a 500,000-hectare property in far north NSW that was purchased by the state government in 2023 for $108 million, making it the largest private land acquisition for a national park in NSW history. The property was in the process of being gazetted as a national park when the incident occurred.

Home / Environment / National Park Service Accidentally Kills 5 Domestic Horses in Aerial Cull

National Park Service Accidentally Kills 5 Domestic Horses in Aerial Cull

15 Oct

•

Summary

Parks and Wildlife Service staff accidentally shot and killed 5 domestic horses during an aerial cull
Incident occurred on Thurloo Downs property, which was in the process of becoming a national park
NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe apologized for the "very unfortunate accident"

National Park Service Accidentally Kills 5 Domestic Horses in Aerial Cull

On September 2025, the NSW Parks and Wildlife Service (NSPWS) conducted an aerial cull on the Thurloo Downs property, which was in the process of being gazetted as a national park. Tragically, during this operation, NSPWS staff inadvertently shot and killed 5 domestic horses.

NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe has admitted to this "unfortunate incident," explaining that the staff were unaware the horses were in the designated shoot area. She stated that NSPWS has apologized for the "very unfortunate accident" and is conducting a further review to ensure such incidents do not happen again.