A Tasmanian Government department told the independent RSPCA how to respond to media inquiries regarding the deaths of 16 polo ponies, the day after its boss called on the department to urgently release details about the case.

Key points: The talking points were included in an email made public as part of a right to information request

The talking points were included in an email made public as part of a right to information request The RPSCA boss says the email came after he called the boss of Biosecurity Tasmania to ask for information related to the deaths

The RPSCA boss says the email came after he called the boss of Biosecurity Tasmania to ask for information related to the deaths The move has been criticised by Labor and the Greens, who say the RSPCA must be independent

Documents revealed under right to information (RTI) laws show the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and the Environment's Biosecurity general manager Lloyd Klumpp emailed the RSPCA's Andrew Byrne on April 17 last year with a list of five talking points.

The email followed a story by the ABC published that morning, in which Dr Byrne said he wanted information about the case released "as soon as possible".

"I believe this case will teach us a lot about looking after horses in transport. We could learn a lot from it and the sooner we get that, the better," Dr Byrne was quoted as saying.

Mr Klumpp wrote in the email sent later that day:

Below are the talking points we briefly discussed for your use to clarify media questions regarding the case. I have now been fully briefed by the department on the ongoing investigation (noting that the RSPCA has been kept updated from the outset)

I am confident that a thorough and professional investigation is being undertaken by the department

I am confident that a thorough and professional investigation is being undertaken by the department It is a complex investigation that covers Tasmanian, Australian Maritime Safety Authority, Victorian and NSW jurisdictions

It is a complex investigation that covers Tasmanian, Australian Maritime Safety Authority, Victorian and NSW jurisdictions Unfortunately, these types of complex legal investigations can take time but it is critical that time is taken to do them methodically and thoroughly.

Unfortunately, these types of complex legal investigations can take time but it is critical that time is taken to do them methodically and thoroughly. Based on the information provided to me, I am confident that his (sic) was an isolated incident and there is no cause for concern for the movement of horses across Bass (Strait)

The following day, Mr Byrne told the ABC: "Now that I know the complexity of the investigation, and having been involved in very complex investigations, it can take a couple of years before you finally get that information all tied together and in a position here you can tell people about it".

RSPCA boss requested information from Biosecurity head

RSPCA Tasmania CEO Andrew Byrne says he asked the department for information. ( Facebook: RSPCA Tasmania )

Mr Byrne explained on Tuesday that he had been out on the road at the time of the email and had been asked a number of questions about the pony deaths by media outlets.

"Needing to know more I rang Lloyd Klumpp at DPIPWE and he outlined what the situation was on the phone, and then he said 'look, I'll email you dot-points regarding this case'," Dr Byrne said.

"It was just me wanting to know what was going on really, I asked Lloyd, who's a vet, he was able to explain it in veterinary terms to me to explain what was going on, and I was able to use those points later in the day to talk to the media about it."

When asked if he was happy with how the investigation into the deaths had been carried out, Mr Byrne said it was a complicated investigation involving a lot of different departments, and was expected to go on for "quite a while".

He said the Department had to be "careful and thorough" in handling the case.

Greens critical of RSPCA 'silence' over pony deaths

Greens leader Cassy O'Connor said the RSPCA relied heavily on government funding for its inspectorate work, and the documents raised questions about whether other government-funded bodies were being directed by government agencies or ministers' offices.

The RSPCA received increased funding from the Tasmanian Government in 2017-18 of $550,000 for their inspectorate services.

"The RSPCA should be able to make clear, informed statements about the welfare of animals in Tasmania, yet we hear now that they're given their talking points by a government agency," Ms O'Connor said.

"Since these beautiful horses died on that ship there have been no answers from Government, or from Biosecurity Tasmania, and silence from the RSPCA.

"I think a lot of people look to the RSPCA to be that clear, independent voice for animals in Tasmania, and they'll be really concerned to know the Government's trying to control what RSPCA is saying."

One of two Willo Polo trucks carrying ponies boards the Spirit Of Tasmania. ( Instagram: chelcroz )

Deputy Labor leader Michelle O'Byrne said she was worried the Government may have acted to influence an independent body on its media commentary.

"I have the greatest respect for Andrew Byrne and the RSPCA, but it is concerning that the Government has managed to turn a position from 'significant investigation' to 'please read out our talking points and emphasise what we've told you to' within 24 hours," she said.

"It's concerning if the Government feels it has not only a right, but clearly feels an obligation to instruct independent people about what to say in the media."

RSPCA has 'important function': Premier

Premier Will Hodgman said the Government would look into the department's issuing of talking points to the RSPCA.

"The RSPCA has an important function to perform and should be able to do so freely and independently," he said.

"I am not affirming as to whether any influence … has been applied, but clearly it's a matter we'll look into."

The 16 ponies died travelling home from Tasmania to NSW. ( Supplied: Barnbougle Polo )

The RTI documents were released by the department after a review by Tasmanian Ombudsman Richard Connock, along with a series of emails between the department and owner of the ponies, Andrew Williams.

In those emails, Mr Williams' lawyer was told by the department on May 22 last year that "our investigation is not yet complete, but it is drawing to a close".

Mr Hodgman said the department would be reviewing its approach to handling the RTI process following the ombudsman's report, which questioned the department's actions in dealing with a request from a reporter.

A DPIPWE spokesman said the RSPCA and the department regularly worked closely on animal welfare matters, and it was not uncommon for information to be shared during ongoing investigations.

"Media responses and messages on active investigations are regularly provided between compliance authorities to reduce the risk of information, which may form part of or prejudice an investigation, being released inadvertently," the spokesman said.