Authorities tightlipped as investigation into deaths of 16 polo ponies continues

AN investigation into the deaths of 16 polo ponies is continuing, despite the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and the Environment receiving laboratory testing results.

Polo players in action at Barnbougle.

AN investigation into the deaths of 16 polo ponies is continuing, despite the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and the Environment having received laboratory testing results.

The horses died during transport to the mainland following January’s Barnbougle Polo event near Bridport.

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It is understood the investigation has established the horses died of suffocation.

The horses’ travel coincided with a heatwave that crossed southeastern Australia on the Australia Day long weekend, however horses travelling on a second truck on the same night were unharmed.

A DPIPWE spokesman said once the investigation was finalised an assessment would be made to determine if any offences had been committed, and what action would be taken.

“An assessment will also be made as to whether any additional measures are required,” he said.

“While the department has the laboratory results and further test results, the department continues to seek information about the deaths to ensure a comprehensive understanding of all the circumstances before reaching any conclusions.”

The spokesman did not give an indication of when results or preliminary results of the investigation were likely to be released.

He said DPIPWE believed the deaths were an isolated incident, and no ongoing issues had been identified in relation to transport across Bass Strait.