16 POLO PONIES DEAD

SIXTEEN of the horses that competed at the Barnbougle Polo event last month died in transit back to country NSW.

The Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and the Environment is investigating the deaths, which happened as the ponies travelled from Bridport to Wagga Wagga — via the Spirit of Tasmania — between January 28 and 29.

The horses belong to at least two owners.

The Australian Maritime and Safety Authority has indicated it was satisfied the Spirt of Tasmania complied with requirements relating to the carriage of livestock.

More than 3500 people flocked to this year’s Barnbougle Polo, the fourth year of the event held near Bridport in the North-East.

AUTHORITIES in three states are assisting an investigation of the deaths of 16 polo ponies in transit after last month’s Barnbougle Polo in northeast Tasmania.

The horses belonging to at least two owners died on their way to Wagga Wagga, NSW, between January 28 and 29.

They were transported on the Spirit of Tasmania, but further details about the journey have not come to light.

The deaths have been described as a tragedy by the RSPCA’s Andrew Byrne.

The horses’ travel coincided with a heatwave that crossed southeastern Australia on the Australia Day long weekend.

The Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and the Environment is investigating the deaths, after taking over inquiries from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.

DPIPWE confirmed it was being assisted by other jurisdictions, including the chief veterinary officers in Victoria and New South Wales, but declined to provide further details of the investigation while it was in progress.

RSPCA chief veterinarian Andrew Byrne said the mass death was extremely sad.

“It’s tragic that we’re seeing this in the 21st century,” Dr Byrne said. “A thorough investigation will be a good thing.”

Dr Byrne said he could not comment further until more details about the case were available.

An Australian Maritime Safety Authority spokeswoman said a surveyor attended the Spirit of Tasmania on January 30 after the deaths were reported.

AMSA indicated it was satisfied that the vessel appeared to have complied with AMSA requirements relating to the carriage of livestock, prior to handing the investigation to Tasmanian authorities.

Two champion herding rottweilers died on board the Spirit of Tasmania in 2011, with tests indicating the deaths were caused by carbon monox- ide poisoning from the exhaust fumes of cars on board.

More than 3500 people flocked to this year’s Barnbougle Polo, the fourth year of the event.

The Spirit of Tasmania was a sponsor but declined to comment.

Barnbougle Polo was contacted for comment.

The owners of the ponies did not return the Mercury’s calls yesterday.