Spectators watch competition at Barnbougle Polo
© Facebook: Marnbougle Polo
By Edith Bevin
Two people and the TT-Line ferry service have been charged in relation to the death of 16 polo ponies travelling from Tasmania to Melbourne last year
They have been charged under Tasmania’s Animal Welfare Act 1993 and Animal Welfare (Land Transport of Livestock) Regulations 2013.
The ponies had been competing in the Barnbougle Polo event in the state’s north in January last year.
One of the people charged is the driver of the float that the 16 ponies were on between January 28 and 29 last year.
The other is another driver, also transporting polo ponies that day, who allegedly did not have them individually stalled in the truck. The health of those horses was not affected.
A spokesman for the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment said the charges were brought following an investigation by the department in relation to all aspects of the transport of the horses from Barnbougle to Victoria.
“Although charges have been laid following investigation of the matter, they relate to a specific set of circumstances and the department reiterates previous advice that there is no ongoing risk for the continued movement of horses across Bass Strait in line with regulatory standards,” the spokesman said.
Labor spokeswoman Sarah Lovell said she hoped this would give livestock owners some assurances.
“I hope that whatever comes out of these charges will provide some assurance to people who are wanting to transport their animals on the TT-Line and we do need to see this followed through and have some kind of closure for people,” Ms Lovell said.
The three have been listed to appear in the Devonport Magistrates Court next month.
Meanwhile, private action by the owners of the polo ponies against the TT Line is continuing in Melbourne…
Please click here to continue reading this article as it appears on the ABC News website.
Source: ABC News
READ THE LATEST NEWS ARTICLES HERE
