As time passes since the horrific slaughter of the Jerapit ponies by the DPI, Vitoria, more stories are making the news. Unfortunately, none really tells us why the situation was handled in a way which saw the tragic end of so may ponies. They are raising more questions than before and a deep desire to know the thruth abotu the matter!

The DPI has released a statement defending themselves and stating they acted on the best interests of the ponies. They claim the vast majority of the ponies were in extremely poor condition and were not fit for sale or transportation. The Code of Practice for the Land transport of horses (Vitoria) prohibit the transport of sick or lame horses except for veterinary treatment.

In this statement, the DPI goes in great length to justify their decision to cull the ponies and all reasons are given to explain how much in bad health these ponies were.

They also state that “The action by DPI was planned in consultation with the RSPCA”, which contradicts the email I received from the RSPCA’s media coordinator denying their involvement in the matter.

The DPI statement regarding the poor health of the ponies which justified their action, is also in contradiction to other stories, such as the interview of Jodi Hutson of Jeparit Pony Rescue, published in the Dimboola Courier on the 16th of July 2011, or the article written by Amelia Elliston published in the Wimmera Mail Times dated 20 July 2011.

Ms Hutson explains that the ponies were not in the state of health the DPI claims. Jodi also stresses that it is in contradiction to independent veterinary advice given to her following on-site examinations.

She even states the ponies’ owner had always done his best to keep them healthy and keep the herd under control over the years. A herd of 300 ponies rarely sees as many deformity cases as the DPI wants us to believe because of the huge gene pool available.

What is extremely unsettling is the story in the Wimmera Mail Times stating that Tanya Decker and Jodi Hutson had bought 50 ponies and had vet clearance to move the horses. They were able to move only 11 and the 39 others were shot by the DPI.

Another worrying fact is that Tanya Decker states that she has photos and proof the DPI did not comply with the code of practice regarding the euthanasia of horses. According to Tanya Decker, there is a certain spot on the forehead of a horse when they are facing the shooter, so they only need to be shot once, although the DPI did not do this and some horses were shot multiple times.

So where is the truth in all this? Did the DPI shoot ponies that were in fact able to be re-homed? Was the RSPCA consulted? Was the DPI cruel in the way the ponies were slaughters?

Here is another video (warning – graphic!) that shows the result of the massacre of the Jeparit ponies.

I personally believe something does not sound right. I cannot believe these horses were so badly ill that only a handful could have been re-homed. We are talking 300 ponies!! Not 10 or even 50!!

Photos of the ponies are emerging as well and yes, some look malnourished, but not to the point of no return!!

I haven’t yet put a complaint to the Ombudsman as I am waiting for at least 1 week to see if I will receive a reply to my complaint from the DPI. As of today, nothing yet.