A man was filmed strangling a tame horse in Kosciuszko National Park, refusing witness pleas to let go, until it fell unconscious, New South Wales Police allege.
Police said a group was camping in the NSW national park on Saturday November 17 when they saw the man, who was part of another camping group, putting a rope around the neck of a brumby colt.
They allege the man repeatedly pulled the horse by the lariat, which caused it to be visibly distressed and struggle to breathe.
The man allegedly refused to let the horse go when several witnesses intervened, and it fell to the ground unconscious.
It is believed the horse suffered injuries as it was lame after the attack.
But police said it could not be found after the incident so they "are not aware of its fate".
Police later spoke to a 61-year-old Tamworth man and charged him with animal cruelty, as well as capturing or snaring an animal in a national park.
Officers said they had viewed the footage recorded by a camper, and said it "clearly showed" the horse was hurt.
Detective Inspector Cameron Whiteside said police do not tolerate, and will thoroughly investigate, all cases of animal cruelty.
"We strongly encourage members of the public to report any incident of animal cruelty so those involved can be identified and charged," he said.
The man is due to appear in Cooma Local Court in February.
