The Tasmania government and federal maritime safety watchdog are investigating the deaths of 16 horses belonging to a local polo club on board a ship travelling from Tasmania to Victoria last month.
A spokesperson for the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has confirmed the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment is now investigating the incident on board the ferry that arrived in Victoria on January 28.
Fairfax media, which owns the Hawkesbury Gazette, reported it is understood the horses competed at the Barnbougle Polo event on January 20 and belonged to Willo Polo Club in Richmond.
“The Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment is now investigating this incident,” the AMSA spokesperson said. “AMSA will assist where required.”
In collaboration with veterinary authorities, AMSA was investigating the incident involving the death of 16 horses on board a truck that travelled via ship from Tasmania on January 28 and arrived in Victoria on January 29, 2018, the spokesperson stated.
“An AMSA surveyor attended the vessel on Tuesday, January 30,” the spokesperson said.
“While investigations are continuing, at this point AMSA is satisfied that the vessel appears to have complied with AMSA requirements relating to the carriage of livestock.
“It would be inappropriate to comment further while the investigation is underway.”
Further details were not expected to be released as the investigation was ongoing.
A representative of Willo Polo declined to comment to the Gazette on the incident.