Ten cattle are dead on a live freight trip from King Island in Tasmania's North-West

It is the second incident in 12 months that has resulted in the deaths of cattle on freight ships from Tasmania.

In January last year 59 cattle died on a freight journey from Circular Head to Victoria. The animals were found dead or injured as a result of the trip and some had to be put down because of their injuries.

The department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE) confirmed it was investigating the deaths of the 10 cattle who were aboard a vessel that departed from King Island.

On Tuesday night a vessel left King Island with 38 live cattle on board.

“The incident was reported to DPIPWE biosecurity operations late last night and staff were deployed to the Devonport dock to ensure the welfare of the cattle was safeguarded,” a DPIPWE spokesperson said.

Of the 38 in total on board the vessel, 10 were found deceased on arrival or were put down by biosecurity officers due to their condition.

The spokesperson said all circumstances surrounding the incident were being investigated to determine the cause of the animals’ deaths.

The transport of stock from King Island to Devonport occurs regularly, with more than 2000 cattle shipped each month and 28,500 moved annually.

The deaths of the 59 cattle in January last year sparked a joint investigation between Tasmania and Victorian authorities and involved DPIPWE, its Victorian counterparts and the RSPCA.

It also caused anger among group Animals Australia, who called for a suspension of live animal freight.

The 59 cattle were among about 200 on board LD Shipping vessel MV Statesman that left port at Stanley on to go to Port Welshpool in Victoria.

The investigation into the deaths of the 59 cattle concluded in September and a report was being prepared by the Director of Public Prosecutions. However the report has not yet been released to the public.