A magistrate in Tasmania has ordered a court hearing surrounding the deaths of 16 polo ponies to proceed, despite flagged new legal action hanging over the matter.
The horses were found dead in trailers following a voyage on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry service from the island state to Melbourne in January 2018.
Ferry operator TT-Line has pleaded not guilty to several animal-welfare-related charges.
The matter was listed to begin hearing in Burnie Magistrates Court on Monday morning but the start has been delayed by legal challenges and argument.
Lawyers for TT-Line on Tuesday indicated they would seek a Supreme Court review in relation to a ruling by magistrate Leanne Topfer surrounding particulars of the allegations.
Ms Topfer, however, rejected the lawyers' application for the hearing to be put on hold.
"I am satisfied that the Crown has identified the offence alleged and provided TT-Line the substance of the charges and particulars to enable TT-Line to prepare a defence," she said.
"There is no prejudice to the defendant in allowing this to continue."
Lawyer for TT-Line, Robert Taylor, argued his legal team hasn't been provided with particulars in relation to the allegations and said a stay on proceedings was essential in light of the Supreme Court application.
Ms Topfer noted there have been 16 directions hearings for the matter since July 2020 and issues could have been raised "years ago".
Prosecutor Simon Nicholson indicated there was one witness ready and waiting to give evidence.
The hearing, which resumes on Wednesday, has been listed to run for three weeks and will hear from several veterinary experts.
TT-Line has previously pleaded not guilty to using a method of management reasonably likely to result in unreasonable and unjustifiable pain and suffering.
It has also pleaded not guilty to 28 counts of failing to ensure a horse was individually stalled.
