Who Decides the Value of A Life?

The question of value is usually framed around people — how we measure ourselves, how others judge us, and how easily our worth becomes entangled in opinion. Yet the issue becomes even clearer when we look beyond our own species.

The situation unfolding for the brumbies in NSW is a stark reflection of this. These wild horses, iconic to many and controversial to others, have been caught in debates that often overlook something fundamental: they are living beings with histories, family structures, instincts, and a presence that has shaped Australian identity for generations.

Some argue they are a threat to the environment. Others see them as symbols of resilience and heritage. Somewhere in the divide, a decision is made about their “value”, as though it’s measurable by policy, convenience, or whichever narrative is currently the most politically comfortable.

This isn’t simply about horses. It’s about the ease with which society places a hierarchy on life.

At My Pet Life, the work we do is grounded in the belief that value isn’t determined by popularity, practicality, or external judgement. It exists because a life exists. Whether we are talking about a family pet, a service animal, or a wild species navigating shifting landscapes, each holds space in the world that cannot be reduced to a data point.

When we decide certain lives matter less, we reveal more about our own disconnection than anything about the animals themselves. We lose an opportunity to approach problems with empathy, creativity, and respect.

The brumby situation invites us to pause. It asks us to look again at how we make decisions, how we speak about life, and how quickly we allow labels to override compassion. Their story is a reminder that value is not ours to assign. It is ours to honour.

#Brumbies #AnimalWelfare #NSWWildlife #ConservationEthics #MyPetLife #HumanAnimalConnection #WildlifeStories #CompassionateLeadership #CommunityVoices #ThoughtfulDebate