Washington DC police have disbanded the equestrian unit that has sent horses and their riders into city streets for over 20 years. According to authorities, they can no longer afford to operate due to new budget cuts.
Mounted police on horses patrol streets of London
The four horses with their riding officers were deployed to engage with children throughout the community and also helped control crowds at protests and parades.
© 2008 by Arriva436 New window.
The Horse Mounted Unit had four horses and four officers who were deployed to engage with children throughout the community. The unit also helped controlled crowds at protests and parades. The four mounted officers will stay within the department's special Operations division and the plan is to find good homes for the no longer needed horses.
The decision comes almost two months after D. C. lawmakers decided to cut $15 million from the poice department budget.
A Change.org petition hoping to preserve the Horse Mounted Unit garnered more than 1,000 signatures over two days. The Horse Unit was created to be a community-oriented ambassador the the police department and has been a hge success with the citizens of the District of Columbia.
Press release by Washington DC District