The Australian Brumby Alliance says it is seeking legal advice on whether it will appeal a Supreme Court decision to allow the killing of wild brumbies in the Alpine National Park.
The ABA began proceeding against Parks Victoria in September, pushing for an immediate stop to the program that was aimed at reducing the number of wild horses in the park.
Justice Stephen O'Meara this morning released his findings, ruling that the alliance's bid to stop the shooting of wild horses had failed.
In a letter referenced in Justice O'Meara's ruling, the alliance had argued the culling of brumbies breached the Protection of Cruelty to Animals Act 2019.
Justice O'Maera dismissed the ABA's claims.
The judge said he was surprised evidence put to him could not reveal exactly how many horses were shot and killed during the operations in question.
ABA president Jill Pickering said the court's decision meant Parks Victoria would prioritise shooting brumbies over rehoming and other control methods.
"Australia's multicultural history now have to watch as Parks Victoria inflict lethal kill policies," she said.
"[And] ignore their own management plan commitment to prioritise rehoming and deny Brumbies another chance at life."
Ms Pickering said the alliance was taking legal advice as to whether it would appeal the court decision.
In a statement, Parks Victoria said it acknowledged the court decision and had an obligation to control invasive species, including feral horses, in the state's national parks.
"The most humane feral horse management techniques have been selected on the best advice," a Parks Victoria spokesperson said.
"And Parks Victoria has responded to the current situation with the best techniques available."
