Fine Slashed After Legal Win Over Ferry Pony Deaths

Bass Strait ferry Spirit of Tasmania’s operator will pay a drastically reduced fine over the deaths of 16 polo ponies on a voyage after a legal win.  The horses, which were travelling in a converted shipping container, were discovered dead in Victoria after sailing north following a tournament in Tasmania in January 2018.  The ferry’s operator TT-Line was in March 2023 convicted and sentenced for 29 animal welfare breaches and fined $75,000 (US$50,500). It will now pay $4000 (US$2692) after winning a Supreme Court appeal and having the most serious charge, relating to management likely to cause unjustified pain and suffering, set aside. The original sentencing magistrate said the container, which was carrying 18 horses, was inadequately ventilated and the animals that died were incorrectly doubled-stalled. ...