Franck's Pharmacy Admits Guilt in Polo Pony Deaths

Franck's Pharmacy in Ocala, Fla., admitted on Thursday that it was responsible for the deaths of 21 Venezuelan polo ponies by incorrectly preparing medication for the animals.

In a statement, Franck's Pharmacy said that the strength of one of the ingredients in the medication was incorrect.

Franck's Pharmacy did not elaborate on what the ingredient was.

The chief operations officer of Franck's Pharmacy, Jennifer Beckett, added:

“We extend our most sincere condolences to the horses' owners, the Lechuza Polo team and the members of the United States Polo Association. We share their grief and sadness.”

On Sunday, horses from the Venezuelan-owned Lechuza polo team began collapsing shortly before Sunday's U.S. Open match was scheduled to start, and in full view of a crowd of spectators at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington.

The captain of Lechuza Polo, Juan Martin Nero, pointed to the vitamins provided by Franck's Pharmacy earlier this week, as the only ponies that survived were ones that were not given a dose.

Ironically, the logo for Franck's Pharmacy says “Integrity, Reliability, Excellence.”