Criminal probe into deaths of 21 polo horses

Authorities have begun a criminal investigation into the case of 21 dead polo horses from a Venezuelan-owned team preparing to play a match over the weekend in Wellington, Florida.

Some of the horses collapsed and died on Sunday as they were unloaded from trailers at the International Polo Club Palm Beach. Others died later at clinics and stables.

The horses are being tested for toxins and other things that may have caused their deaths.

Meanwhile, law enforcement from the state's Department of Agriculture has opened a criminal investigation, with assistance from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.

Department spokesman Terence McElroy says they are working to determine whether the deaths were intentional.