A multi-millionaire is suing the Spirit of Tasmania after six of his polo ponies, worth more than $100,000 each, suffocated to death while on board the ferry.
Breeder Johnny Kahlbetzer said a total of 16 horses died during the nine-hour journey from Devonport, Tasmania, to Melbourne on January 29.
Mr Kahlbetzer owned six of the ponies while the other seven belonged to former Australian polo team captain Andrew Williams.
Breeder Johnny Kahlbetzer (pictured with partner Donna Gardner) is suing the Spirit of Tasmania after six of his polo ponies, worth more than $100,000 each, suffocated to death while on board the ferry
Breeder Johnny Kahlbetzer said a total of 16 horses died during the nine-hour journey on board the Spirit of Tasmania (pictured) from Devonport, Tasmania, to Melbourne on January 29
Mr Kahlbetzer said owners were not allowed on board with their animals, but were assured they would be well looked after by crew.
Mr Kahlbetzer said he was shown pictures of his prized horses upon their arrival and ‘it wasn’t pretty’.
Mr Kahlbetzer’s company, Twynam Agricultural group, is suing TT Line Spirit of Tasmania and QUBE Holdings Limited in the Victorian Supreme Court over the deaths, The Daily Telegraph reported.
They allege in court documents that the companies were negligent and failed in their duty of care to provide a safe environment for the animals.
They are seeking $639,000 for the horses and a further $100,000 for loss of profit.
Mr Kahlbetzer owned six of the ponies while the other seven belonged to former Australian polo team captain Andrew Williams (pictured playing left)
The horses died after allegedly suffocating on board the ship after competing at the Barnbougle Polo event (pictured)
A Spirit of Tasmania spokesman said the company could not comment because an investigation was ongoing.
However, the Spirit of Tasmania website states ‘fresh water is supplied and regular checks are performed on pets throughout the sailing’.
The Tasmanian Government, which owns the TT Line Spirit of Tasmania ferry service that runs from Hobart to Melbourne, is also investigating the deaths.
Mr Kahlbetzer said he has been left devastated by the deaths of his beloved horses.
Mr Williams said the deaths of his seven horses has forever changed his business.
‘I have lost a breeding line that was priceless to me,’ Mr Williams said.
Australian polo athletes compete at Werribee, Victoria
Polo horses (seen at the Portsea Polo in Melbourne) can be worth upwards of $100,000 each