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Spirit Of Tasmania - Polo Ponies Deaths

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Glencoe View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Glencoe Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 May 2018 at 11:56am
It won't take years to answer my 3 questions. The correct answers may be very illuminating
 
and then there is that little rider of insurance. Sure to muddy the water if insurance is part of it
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Gay3 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Jul 2018 at 7:07pm
Thanks acacia Thumbs Up it's certainly not good enough Angry

Lack of public information on polo pony deaths after Tasmanian event worries vet, horse breeder

Updated

'

Almost six months on from the mysterious deaths of 16 polo ponies, a senior equine veterinarian is baffled by the "unacceptable" lack of information, while an industry veteran is warning that without any answers the impact will continue.

The ponies died on a truck on the Spirit of Tasmania on the way to Melbourne after competing in Tasmania's premier polo event at Barnbougle.

Veterinarian Michael Morris said there had been "ample time" since the deaths for all of the necessary tests and autopsies to be completed.

"Six months after the event the horse-owning public are entitled to know something about what may have contributed to the deaths of these ponies," he said.

"Under normal circumstances you would get autopsy results within well under a month. Admittedly we are dealing with 16 cases here, and I can understand that sometimes results are inconclusive.

"But I think it is stretching the imagination to suggest they are going to be inconclusive in 16 carcasses.

"The fact that there was a lot of [dead ponies] would certainly take the relevant authorities a bit more time than usual. But six months is just extraordinary."

Dr Morris said it was critical to get some answers.

"At the moment we are being kept completely in the dark and that is just not acceptable," he said.

Department says it won't compromise investigation

A Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE) spokesman said the investigation into the deaths was ongoing.

"As it is an active investigation more detailed information cannot not be provided at this stage," the spokesman said in a statement.

"The department has provided information to the RSPCA and the equine industry, which said at this stage no ongoing concerns have been identified in relation to the ongoing movement of horses or other livestock across Bass Strait.

"The department will continue to keep the industry informed of relevant information. More detailed information will be provided when it is possible to do so without compromising the investigation."

'People worried': veterinarian

Dr Morris said he was concerned about horses being sent across the Bass Strait when more information had not been provided.

"It has certainly got people worried, and we have the thoroughbred breeding season breathing down our neck," he said.

"There will be a lot of horses going across Bass Strait to be bred, and these will also be quite high-value horses, and ... quite vulnerable given that a lot of them will be mares that are in foal and not far off being due to foal.

"They will probably still go over, so owners will probably have their hearts in their mouths a little bit.

"But one wonders what the future of the next Barnbougle Polo will be, whether this is likely to threaten the future viability of that event.

"And that will be a very sad thing if that is the case because it had grown into quite a notable event on the social calendar in the north."

Breeder wants more information

Armidale Stud owner Robyn Whishaw, who has been in the breeding industry more than 40 years and regularly sends horses across Bass Strait, echoed Dr Morris' call for more information about the deaths.

"I find it astounding that nothing has been made public," she said.

"It has had a negative effect on our business and will continue to.

"We rely on people sending mares over from interstate, and while there have not been any definitive answers people remain concerned, and you can't blame them.

"And it is hard for us to give a reassurance when nothing has been released.

"Six months down the track I can't believe they don't have some answers now.

"The industry needs some understanding of if we can learn something from it so it does not happen again."

Ms Whishaw said it was difficult to say the extent of the impact it had on her business.

"The Bass Strait is a physical and a psychological barrier to people sending mares across to us to stud and [when] you throw in an incident like that, the psychological barrier becomes far greater," she said.

Given the imminent thoroughbred season, she said more information was critical.

"We will be sending 10 or 12 mares across to Melbourne as we always do, and will have mares coming into Tassie," she said.

"We have confidence in our horse transporter that we use and we have confidence in the way we manage sending our horses and we have never had an incident."

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote 3blindmice Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Jul 2018 at 7:31pm
6 months in Tassie public service time is only a week in real money. They're probably milking the travel budget for everything they can get LOL

Seriously though they could simply say "we don't know the cause of death" or "we believe we know the cause of death but cannot pinpoint the source". The timeframe and secrecy are interesting. Is there a responsible Minister or is he/she on extended holidays?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote acacia alba Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Jul 2018 at 12:02am
Well, really, who is responsible ??    Tassie  or ???   Its not just a Tassie ferry ya know.    It travels between Tassie and Vic.  So, why blame Tassie ??    Shame on you 3Blinders.  Thumbs Down
But I do agree with you, re the secrecy is interesting.   There must be a minister somewhere who is responsible in this area ???  
And they nedd to step up and ask for answers. 
The TB people use this ferry all the time and they need to know,,,,WTF is going on here. 
animals before people.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 3blindmice Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Jul 2018 at 12:19am
The Tassie link is that Tas DPIPWE is "managing" the investigation AA. They may or may not have legitimate reasons for the slow progress but it's hard to see any excuse for the lack of communication. Surprised they haven't rolled out the old "national security" or commercial in confidence furphies but I guess that's because there's no great public interest in the issue. The poor owner of the ponies seems to have gone quiet.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote acacia alba Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Jul 2018 at 12:25am
Ohhhh Cry     Thumbs Up 
The Tassie TB people have a great interest ,,,,,
The polo pony bloke seems to have vanished .
Its all very odd, to put it mildly.   Confused

animals before people.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Glencoe Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Jul 2018 at 12:59am
Are they insulation panels on the sides of the truck???   And if so!!!!!!!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Gay3 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Nov 2018 at 8:48am

TT-Line argues 'no liability' for deaths of 13 polo ponies in Bass Strait ferry crossing

Exclusive by Peta Carlyon
Truck driving down ramp on to ferry.
Photo

One of two Willo Polo trucks carrying the ponies.

Spirit of Tasmania operator TT-Line is claiming it has no liability for the deaths of 16 polo ponies it transported across Bass Strait in January, because of a sponsorship agreement that affected the ponies' co-owner, national polo identity Andrew Williams.

The claim is detailed in explosive documents obtained by ABC News, outlining TT-Line's defence to Mr Williams' negligence lawsuit, and setting the battlelines for a protracted and public stoush in the Victorian Supreme Court.

Just who was responsible for the ponies' welfare when they died on the truck that crossed Bass Strait almost 10 months ago is at the heart of the case, due to be heard at a directions hearing in Melbourne next Friday.

The ponies were returning from competing at Tasmania's premier polo event at Barnbougle at the time of their deaths.

Thirteen of them, listed individually by name in the writ, were worth an estimated $639,000.

Three animals that perished in the truck are absent from the statement of claim.

Mr Williams, his partner, a co-owner (Twyham Agricultural Gorup Pty Ltd) , and company Willo Polo are also suing for $100,000 in lost profits and wages.

They've accused TT-Line and freight operator QUBE Ports of causing the death of the ponies by failing to provide a safe environment, adequate checks and airflow.

But TT-Line has hit back at Mr Williams, claiming he's responsible.

Critically, it also claimed that "regardless of whether the horses died during the passage from Devonport to Melbourne on the vessel Spirit of Tasmania 1,"it's not liable and Mr Williams is not covered for loss or damages, because he was on the ferry under a sponsorship contract at the time."

TT-Line is a major sponsor of the Barnbougle Polo.

In its defence, the company has criticised Mr Williams, accusing him of:

- failing to ensure the truck was suitable for transporting the ponies;

- failing to have regard to predicted weather conditions;

- inadequate ventilation or air holes in the truck, "especially while the truck was stationary";

- failing to ensure the ponies had individual stalls within the truck;

- failing to inspect the horses between Barnbougle and Devonport, at the TT-Line terminal, before driving the truck onto the ferry and before leaving the vehicle deck;

- and failing to check the horses after returning to the vehicle deck in Melbourne and driving from the ferry and on to country Victoria, where Mr Williams claims he first discovered the dead animals.

In a statement released shortly after the incident, Mr Williams said the ponies had been healthy "just before departure from Tasmania".

TT-Line also claimed Mr Williams "ought to have known" that he would "have no opportunity" to inspect the ponies once he left the truck below the deck of the Spirit of Tasmania.

Its defence states it will be up to Mr Williams to prove its staff or agents directed him and his truck onto the ferry and told him where to park.

It has also said Mr Williams must prove its staff told the polo identity to switch off his truck, vacate the vehicle and to not return until he was directed to do so when the ferry docked in Melbourne.

QUBE Ports has also denied Mr Williams' claim.

Tasmania's Department of Primary Industries (DPIPWE) has been the lead investigating agency into the ponies' deaths in January, and despite widespread public and industry outcry, has refused to reveal any details of the pony autopsies, or how, or when the animals died.

Late on Wednesday, the department announced it had handed over its investigation brief to prosecutors at the Department of Public Prosecutions, to consider potential criminal charges.

A department spokesman said it was unable to comment further but wanted to reiterate its earlier advice that the ponies' deaths were an "isolated incident".

DPIPWE has repeatedly stated the release of information on the deaths could prejudice a future prosecution and would not be in the public interest — it has also blocked an ABC News Right to Information request.

In a move described as "highly unusual" by an RTI expert, the decision to refuse the request was made personally by department secretary John Whittington, meaning it cannot be internally reviewed.

It came after a long-term member of the Tasmanian Government's animal advisory board, Dr Malcolm Caulfield quit his position, citing increasing concerns over "underlying issues and problems relating to the enforcement of animal welfare law in Tasmania".

The committee was established under Tasmania's Animal Welfare Act 1993.


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Glencoe Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Nov 2018 at 9:27am
I posted 3 questions back in May.  It is reported that the truck was a decommissioned refrigeration van. Enough said. Further it seems the horses stood body to body.Also when did the owner water them, load them check them. Was there water on the truck.These are all questions that it would be nice to have an answer to.
You might not need to be Einstein to work this one out
And the kicker WHY HAS THIS NOT HAPPENED TO OTHER HORSE TRANSPORTS.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote linghi11 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Nov 2018 at 10:06am
I’m thoroughly disgusted by all these people. How in the world do you transport your horses like that without even checking on them, and vice versa, everyone knows the OH&S has gone mad and you can’t be among the vehicles on a moving boat - you’d think they would have a special safer area for animal-carrying vehicles where they can be checked.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Gay3 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Feb 2019 at 2:21pm

'Devastated' dog owner pushing for change after claims pet died on Spirit of Tasmania crossing

By Mahalia Carter

Updated

A man who says his dog died during an overnight trip on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry is calling for an overhaul of the conditions animals are held in during the 12-hour crossing of Bass Strait.

Key points:

  • Marcus Lehmann said he was not notified that his dog had been struggling
  • He believes conditions need to change for animal welfare during the 12-hour crossing
  • A spokesperson for the Spirit of Tasmania said the company was in "direct contact" with Mr Lehmann

South Australian Marcus Lehmann took his "best mate" Mook on the Spirit of Tasmania as part of a permanent move to the state.

But he claims the 93-kilogram South African mastiff died during the 12-hour journey.

Pets are required to travel in the ferry's kennels and owners are not allowed to access the kennels during sailing.

Mr Lehmann said he was told that staff noted the 14-month-old dog was struggling earlier in the night.

"At 8:30pm it was noted [by crew] he was struggling, and I was not notified and at 11:00pm he was deceased," he said.

Mr Lehmann said he was informed of the dog's death when the ferry docked in Devonport the next morning.

"I think he suffocated, he had skin off his nose, off his head, off his feet, he tried really hard to save himself. It was horrific.

"They wrapped him in the sheet, threw him in the back [of Mr Lehmann's vehicle], said sorry, and let me go.

"This is Australia, this is Tasmania with my dead dog."

Mr Lehmann said he was "absolutely devastated" by the turn of events.

"The captain and the security guards were shocked as well," he said.

A spokesman for the TT-Line, which owns the Spirit of Tasmania ferry, would not confirm or deny the dog died on the ferry, but the company released a statement which said: "The Spirit of Tasmania is in direct contact with the owner of the animal, and has been since the incident was first reported".

Mr Lehmann said conditions needed to change for animal welfare during the 12-hour Bass Strait crossing.

"They need to have been in an air-conditioned area, and they need to have somebody watching them 24/7," he said.

"I would guess they're not allowed to have staff down there for any length of time because it kills [people], and then they go and put your bloody pets down there."

Mr Lehmann said his dog always made an impact on people.

"He got photographed by two of their workers on the way in because he was such a massive, magnificent animal," he said.

A year ago, 16 polo ponies were found dead in the back of a truck after being transported on the same route.

Those deaths are the subject of court action in Victoria.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Einstein Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Feb 2019 at 3:05pm
I just do not understand, why they wont allow access to animals during the trip? I can understand if it is really rough weather and the boats maybe rolling side to side or something, but surely when its calm??
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Sister Dot Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Feb 2019 at 10:19pm
Would you you think after the bad PR concerning the horrible deaths of the polo ponies immediate steps would have been taken to rectify the problem?
Disgusting
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Wouldn’t
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Gay3 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Feb 2019 at 6:56pm
Thanks acacia Thumbs Up

Still more questions than answers one year after polo pony truck deaths

Updated

This month marks a year since the deaths of 16 prized polo ponies in the back of a truck that travelled across Bass Strait on Tasmania's premier tourist ferry, and there are still more questions than answers.

As the Spirit of Tasmania saddles up again as a major sponsor of this year's Barnbougle Polo in the state's north-east, a persistent cloud hangs over the deaths and subsequent investigation that has sparked widespread condemnation from animal rights experts, a Victorian court case and talk of a potential criminal prosecution.

The ponies, from the Willo Polo club in New South Wales, perished somewhere between northern Tasmania and a rural Victorian property after disembarking from the Spirit Of Tasmania in Melbourne on January 29 last year, while on the journey home from Barnbougle.

The truck's driver, national polo identity and former national coach Andrew Williams, is suing ferry operator TT-Line in the Victorian Supreme Court, and his associates have made it clear he won't be returning with ponies for the polo, or anything else in Tasmania anytime soon.

The Spirit of Tasmania's sponsorship of the annual event is at the heart of its defence to Mr Williams's lawsuit — if the case goes to trial, it will in the first instance argue the sponsorship rendered void any liability over the pony deaths.

Mr Williams has claimed the ponies died during the voyage from Devonport to Melbourne and TT-Line failed to provide a safe environment, checks or airflow.

Meanwhile, TT-Line is accusing him of failing to ensure the truck was suitable, failing to have regard for the weather, failing to ensure the ponies were housed in individual stalls, and failing to ensure they had proper ventilation.

The state-owned company is also claiming it was Mr Williams who failed to check or inspect the horses before driving onto the ferry, and driving off again in Melbourne.

But Mr Williams says TT-Line accepted his truck and the ponies as safe for passage on its ferry, and would not have done so unless it was safe.

Which brings us to the question of checks and just who is responsible for ensuring animals that travel across Bass Strait are alive and well at the time of the journey.

Calls for investigation findings to be released to the public

As horse owners, veterinarians, media outlets and many in the broader community continue to call for answers from authorities in the public interest, the civil court case, which won't be heard before a jury, and possible others, which may be, have been cited by those authorities as the reason for their continued silence on the autopsy results or other details of the investigation.

Barnbougle Polo organiser Richard Sattler this week added his voice to the calls, saying he was "disappointed" it had taken so long to reveal how the ponies died.

"It's 12 months now," he said.

"People have been left with unknown answers to questions that everyone's asked."

Tasmania's Department of Primary Industries (DPIPWE) is the lead investigator, meaning it's a government department primarily responsible for probing a government business that is also a major sponsor of a blue-chip Tasmanian event with natural links to the state's primary industries circles.

Under a grilling by Opposition MPs at last month's Government Business Enterprise (GBE) hearings, in which former senior government minister Rene Hidding accused Greens leader Cassy O'Connor of "trying to prejudice a court case against the people of Tasmania", former primary industries minister Jeremy Rockliff denied the department's silence had left a cloud hanging over TT-Line.

TT-Line chairman Mike Grainger told the hearing he was annoyed his company had to "suffer this brand damage" associated with ongoing alarm about animal safety on the ferries and said he had seen no evidence, nor conclusive information that the ponies died en route.

He said repeatedly he was "confident the company is not at fault" and promised it would "vigorously defend this court action".

But Mr Grainger also said he'd not been provided with information from DPIPWE and he and company CEO Bernard Dwyer acknowledged TT-Line crew, while conducting watch on decks, "don't check the animals themselves" because "most horse or livestock owners would not want us to do that" and rely on a consignment note for animal counts.

When pressed on whether the note was visually cross-checked against the number of animals onboard a vehicle and whether they were alive, the company said it would need to take the question on notice and that it needed to be careful what it said because of the court action.

But if the company has not been provided with information by the investigating department, as the chairman said, and did not check the ponies before, during or after the voyage, is it possible to rule out that they perished while on its vessel?

As for DPIPWE Biosecurity Tasmania staff, it's not clear whether they checked the ponies or any other livestock travelling across Bass Strait.

The ABC has been told there have been regular occurrences on weekends in recent months in which there were no Biosecurity Tasmania staff inspecting freight vehicles disembarking from the Spirit of Tasmania at Devonport.

And according to leaked minutes from the June meeting of the Bass Strait Livestock Shipping Committee, "biosecurity officers no longer go out to inspect animals for fit to load". The minutes also noted biosecurity inspectors could only offer advice and were "unable, under law" to make the decision.

Viewing platform infrastructure, suggested more than 18 months ago "to allow inspection of livestock contained within trailers" at Devonport was yet to occur, the minutes noted, in part due to "insufficient space" and possible "transport delays".

In a statement, DPIPWE said it was not aware of having missed any inspections.

"Biosecurity Tasmania has rigorous systems in place to ensure it is aware of livestock and produce entering the state via the Spirit of Tasmania and other sea-based freight carriers," the statement read.

"Manifests are supplied to Biosecurity Tasmania the day before any vessel's arrival, and documentation for livestock is also supplied the day before arrival to ensure compliance with entry requirements. If there is any issue with documentation, animals are ordered into isolation for follow-up by a senior livestock officer.

"On weekdays and Saturdays Biosecurity Tasmania staff man the interstate container inspection regime to coincide with the arrival of the Spirit in Devonport. On Sundays, there is not a high volume of freight arriving by sea and it generally remains on the wharf until Monday.

"On Sundays, Biosecurity Tasmania staff conduct a visual check of the freight yard and also have access to the freight manifests in order to check what is arriving."

Transport regulations not mandatory

National standards for land transport of livestock, such as three-hourly inspections, do not apply to livestock being transported on a sea-going vessel.

And as for the Victorian side of the equation, its Department of Agriculture has formulated an Animal Welfare Guidance Document for the Transport of Livestock across Bass Strait.

Created after the pony deaths, it states that shipping companies are responsible for animal welfare on accepting them for loading, and "in the event of animal ill health or mortality during the passage or upon arrival", the shipping company will be responsible for "the proper treatment, removal or disposal of livestock".

It also states shipping staff are to have adequate training, including being competent to practice "euthanasia and managing animal welfare emergencies" and that the ship master is to be ultimately responsible and "ensure that all deaths and downers during any voyage on Bass Strait are reported to the relevant state animal health authority".

The document rules air flow should not be obstructed by other vehicles and not be positioned near motors or refrigeration units, that arrangements must be made at destination ports for the humane unloading of injured animals, and "all livestock must be inspected at port and assessed for fitness to proceed on the road journey".

"Downer [collapsed] animals must not be subjected to onward transportation unless authorised by a veterinarian in writing … any adverse events or observations must be recorded," it states.

When contacted by the ABC, a spokeswoman for the Victorian department said the guidance document was designed as advice only, meaning it is not mandatory and not legally enforceable.

The Bass Strait Livestock Shipping Committee comprises of a number of DPIPWE representatives, as well as industry figures and the RSPCA.

Tasmanian shipping identity Les Dick, livestock buying company HW Greenham and Sons and employee Graeme Pretty are also on the committee, despite being prosecuted by DPIPWE on aggravated animal cruelty and other charges over the deaths of more than 60 cattle that travelled across Bass Strait three years ago.

Mr Pretty was confirmed as chairman of the committee at the June meeting.

All parties have consistently denied the charges and the court case has previously been delayed.

All of which raises more questions.

One of the only certainties is those 16 ponies died a horrible death that no-one would have wished to happen. But it did.

Let's hope the next year brings some answers.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote TIGER Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Feb 2019 at 7:12pm
The seas get too rough in bass straight, found that myself out around two weeks ago, 5 levels of parking is no fun and it carries plenty of cargo.

Unfortunate the ponies died but maybe fly next time
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Charges laid against T-T Line and 2 individuals

From ABC news

TT-Line and two people charged over the deaths of 16 polo ponies

Updated

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.

In a statement TT-Line Company said it was surprised by the charges and will "vigorously defend itself against the complaints made against it by Biosecurity Tasmania".

"The safety and reliability of the Spirit of Tasmania services for passengers, passenger vehicles and freight, had always been, and would continue to be of critical importance to the company," CEO Bernard Dwyer said.

"We have been working closely with Biosecurity Tasmania for many months on animal transport and are surprised by the charges.

"We note the comments made by Biosecurity Tasmania immediately after the incident that the department was confident that there was not an ongoing risk for the transport of horses across Bass Strait and that it was an isolated incident."

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Petiterhapsody Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Jun 2019 at 8:30pm
Albeit both sides have been charged, it's not clear though as to what they have been charged with. The whole investigation has mostly been hush hush and the horse community on botb sides that have horses transported to and from here (Tassie) have a right to a clear and transparent process and answers over what the heck happened. Not good enough nearly 18 months later and still no answers.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote acacia alba Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Jun 2019 at 5:23pm
https://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/ne...119b12a4d132be

The Spirit of Tasmania operator TT-Line and two horse truck drivers have been sensationally charged in relation to the death of polo ponies on board the Melbourne to Devonport ferry early last year.

The Tasmanian Government, which owns the Spirit of Tasmania, this afternoon released a statement saying charges had been laid under Tasmania’s Animal Welfare Act and Animal Welfare (Land Transport of Livestock) Regulations, following the deaths of 16 ponies that crossed the Bass Strait between January 28 and 29 last year.
Some of the polo ponies which died were elite sporting horses, worth more than $100,000 each.
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 on that trip, who allegedly did not have them individually stalled in the truck.


The health of those horses was not affected.
“Charges have been laid against the drivers of the horse transports and also against TT-Line Company Pty. Ltd,” the Tasmanian Government said.
“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.”


A spokesman for the Tasmania Government this afternoon said he would not name the drivers of the two horse trucks which had been charged.
In an exclusive interview with News Corp in August last year, the owner of a number of the dead polo ponies, Australian agribusiness king Johnny Kahlbetzer, said autopsies had revealed the horses died from lack of oxygen.
“We know the horses died on the boat and we know they died from lack of oxygen, suffocation. . . why, how, et cetera is still undetermined,” he said.
The multi-millionaire polo pony breeder – who is a member of one of Australia’s richest families - said he believed there was not enough “oversight” of animals travelling across Bass Strait on the Spirit of Tasmania.
Owners are not allowed on to the vehicle decks to check on their animals once the boat is underway but reassurances are given by TT Line, which operates the Spirit of Tasmania, that animals will be monitored and well cared for.
Mr Kahlbetzer said he had seen pictures of the dead horses in the truck they had travelled and died in “and it wasn’t pretty”.

Australian agribusiness king Johnny Kahlbetzer.Mr Kahlbetzer said he would not allow his horses to travel on the Spirit of Tasmania in the future, unless major changes were implemented in the way animals were cared for below deck.
“Not in the manner in which the Spirit of Tasmania transports horses currently, without clearly enough oversight, no I would not (let my horses travel on the ferry again),” Mr Kahlbetzer said.
The Tasmanian Government - which owns the booming, $232 million TT Line Spirit of Tasmania ferry service – also led the investigation into the horses’ deaths on the hot January night.
Nearly 450,000 people travelled on the Spirit of Tasmania in the 2016/17 financial year, many with animals.
The Spirit of Tasmania website states: “Freshwater is supplied and regular checks are performed on pets by crew throughout the sailing … for safety reasons, passengers are not permitted to access the vehicle decks to visit pets while the ship is at sea.”
Domestic pets must stay in special kennels below deck while on the boat, while large animals, such as horses, remain in their trucks, floats or trailers.
Tasmania RSPCA chief executive Andrew Byrne has called for improvements to the way animals are transported on the Spirit of Tasmania.
“It is the 21st century and I think we can improve the way pets are transported on the Spirit. I think they could do a better job and make the animals more comfortable,” Dr Byrne was reported as saying.
He added he would be reluctant to transport his own dog and two cats on the boat.
animals before people.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Campaspe Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Jun 2019 at 9:58pm
Interesting the charge against the other driver. It's my understanding that it's pretty common practice with polo ponies for them to 'top and tail' in a truck - two horses between each divider, facing in opposite directions. Granted, it's years since I've heard it mentioned, but the first truck we ever bought came from a mate who played polo, and we had to get extra dividers because the truck was designed for two-to-a-bay. It's not something I've ever been comfortable trying with the racehorses, but I had no idea there were any laws against it. Does anyone have any more info or experience with this?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote slowdown Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Jun 2019 at 11:23pm
Was told earlier in the week there was just a chain between each horse. Cannot be a hundred percent sure however I expect the person who told me would be in the know
Rebel - racing. Lionel - in work. Glory - spelling. Ray - spelling. A Wee Nip - in work.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote pnclick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Oct 2019 at 7:15pm
Two men have pleaded not guilty to charges relating to the death of 16 polo ponies being transported across Bass Strait to Melbourne on the Spirit of Tasmania last year.

The ponies had competed at Barnbougle Polo and were found dead in the truck about an hour after arriving in Victoria.

Former Australian polo captain Andrew Williams, who was the driver of one of the pony transport trucks used, is accused of using a method of management reasonably likely to cause unreasonable and unjustifiable pain and suffering, and failing to ensure the horses were individually stalled.

Thomas Martin, who was driving another pony transport truck on the crossing, has pleaded not guilty to 12 counts of transporting horses that were not individually stalled. No horses died on that truck.

The matters have been adjourned until November.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ChrisB Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Oct 2019 at 9:32pm
The Spirit has raised it's game lconsidaby (aka couldn't be worse)

I'm Tasmanian and it's a disgrace.

My mate kept is dog in car and hid in boot until they left. Then looked after him
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ChrisB Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Oct 2019 at 9:34pm
No way my Greyhounds are left there in a box.

My best friends
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote early4lunch Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Oct 2019 at 9:59pm
Why would they need to be individually stalled anyway
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ChrisB Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Oct 2019 at 10:21pm
It's their Policy.

Bruce and Terry won't get near the boat
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Gay3 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Jan 2021 at 8:43am
Posting for acacia Wink

Pet dog disappears on Tas-Vic ferry trip

A pet dog has disappeared during a ferry trip from Hobart to Melbourne, leaving her devastated owner fearing the worst.

Holly Alexander said her two-year-old doberman rottweiler cross Ester escaped from her cage on Monday night while aboard the Spirit of Tasmania.

It remains unclear what has happened to the lost pooch.

Ms Alexander said she checked the cage's lock twice before she was awoken by a security guard at midnight and told Ester had disappeared.

"(They) had been trying to get her but had no luck," she wrote in a Facebook post.

"They would only let me look for an hour and I waited in the bar as they kept looking.

"They couldn't find her, they didn't raise any alarms when they were trying to get people to disembark or check their cars as they seem to think that she might of (sic) jumped in the utes or trailers."

Ms Alexander said she stayed at the dock until midday on Tuesday refusing to leave and security cameras didn't shed any light on Ester's whereabouts as they were not facing the kennels.  

"She is my best friend and I just want her back," she said.

"Not knowing if she's dead or alive is killing me."

She is moving to Tweed Heads in Queensland and is hopeful Ester found her way into a vehicle during the crossing.

The Spirit of Tasmania told AAP in a statement it was closely working with Ms Alexander to find Ester and was asking passengers who were on board the ferry to check their vehicles.

"Despite a thorough search of the vessel, Ester has not been found suggesting that she may have left the vessel inside another passenger's vehicle or trailer," the company said in a social media post on Wednesday.

"If you have seen Ester please send us a direct message with your contact details. Please help return Ester to her owner."


Wisdom has been chasing me but I've always outrun it!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Gay3 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Jul 2022 at 8:21pm

Former Australian polo captain pleads guilty to charges arising from pony incident on Spirit of Tasmania


A former Australian polo captain has pleaded guilty to putting more than a dozen polo ponies — 16 of which died during the journey — at risk of suffocation and asphyxiation when put he put them on the Spirit of Tasmania in 2018.

Andrew Williams was taking the ponies back to New South Wales following a polo event at Barnbougle in Tasmania's north in January 2018.

It is unclear when the ponies died, but it happened somewhere between boarding the Spirit of Tasmania in Devonport and arriving in Yarra Glen, one hour north of Melbourne.

Four and a half years and multiple court cases later, there is a guilty plea.

In the Burnie Magistrates Court today, Mr Williams, who was driving the truck, has pleaded guilty to using a transport method reasonably likely to result in unreasonable and unjustifiable pain and suffering and 16 counts of failing to ensure the horses were individually stalled.

More to come.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote djebel Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Jul 2022 at 11:37pm
They love their horses. 
reductio ad absurdum
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