Update provided by The Examiner:
The deaths of 16 horses in transit from Tasmania to NSW is being treated as an “isolated incident”, the Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment Department has confirmed.
A DPIPWE spokesperson said no information received to date pointed to a ‘clear cause of mortality’, but the department was confident there was no ongoing risk for the transport of horses across Bass Strait.
“The investigation is continuing into all aspects of the movement of the horses,” a spokesperson said. “Pathology reports have been obtained by the department and are one part of the overall investigation. “Some laboratory results that normally take extra time are expected to be received soon and may or may not contribute to understanding a cause.”
DPIPWE said standard process was being applied to the investigation, including determining whether any “contravention of Tasmanian legislation occurred”. “The department does not presuppose the outcome of any of its investigations and is unable to comment on whether charges are being considered or laid. “Such matters, if and when they occur, are subject to normal judicial processes.”
The horses travelled on the Spirit of Tasmania on January 28, after competing at the Barnougle Polo event the week before.
Source: http://www.examiner.com.au/story/5258973/horse-deaths-an-isolated-incident-says-dpipwe/
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