Horse care in Indigenous Communities
Posted by Administrator (admin) on Oct 10 2008
2008 >>

MR LAWLOR asked the Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries (MR MULHERIN)-

QUESTION:

What is the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries doing regarding the care of horses in Indigenous Communities?

ANSWER:

The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) provides technical support and animal welfare advice to indigenous councils undertaking horse management programs. Recent management actions by Palm Island and Yarrabah Aboriginal Councils have focused on horses. Animal management is a function of local government. However, animal welfare technical advice is provided to ensure acceptable standards are used.

Biosecurity Queensland officers participated in a key stakeholder group initiated to support Yarrabah Aboriginal Council in implementing a horse management plan. DPI&F also previously supported actions with Palm Island Aboriginal Council in implementing a Shared Responsibility Agreement to manage the horses.
DPI&F also partners Queensland Health in an action plan (“Action Plan for Supporting Animal Management by Indigenous Local Governments”), working closely with councils to promote and encourage better welfare, health and management of all animals
including horses. The plan focuses on the development and implementation of animal control infrastructure which is seen as the best means to improve animal welfare standards.

The Animal Welfare Unit Dog Team visits primary schools across Queensland promoting the Help An Animal Smile key animal welfare messages. A key element to changing attitudes towards animals is through educating our children. Over the last four
years the Dog Team has visited both Yarrabah and Palm Island schools as well as schools with a large percentage of indigenous students in and around Cairns and Townsville.

Bwgcolman [pronounced bwikalman] Gelding, the third book of a four part series in the Bwgcolman chronicles depicting the life of a foal born in an indigenous community has been printed and released by Biosecurity Queensland. The books are being designed and edited by Biosecurity Queensland staff and are based on an original storyline by Rae-Jon Bunting, a volunteer horse carer from Logan.

Matt Bowen, North Queensland Cowboys NRL player, has provided a celebrity endorsement of the books. In his foreword, Matt Bowen recalls how he grew up in the Aboriginal community of Hopevale on the east coast of Cape York and developed his love for horse riding and animals. The Bwgcolman series follows the story of a young foal and its owner as they grow together forging a bond of trust and love. There are key messages throughout the books of the importance to maintaining good welfare in handling and managing horses.
Although the storyline is focused on horses, the general messages on duty of care apply to all animals.

The books have been distributed to over 175 schools in Queensland with a high proportion of indigenous students, including all the Indigenous community schools where students are known to have horses. It is hoped that the books will be a useful tool in many indigenous schools to teach young children the importance of treating all animals with care and understanding.

The first book, Bwgcolman Foal, has been well received in Palm Island schools. A program to provide the books to interested indigenous schools is currently under way. The final book entitled, “Midnight, Bwgcolman Pride” is being finalised.

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