It’s been more than one month since Waterloo Regional Police disbanded their mounted unit – but the horses remain under police protection.
Earlier this year, police decided to end the mounted unit after four years of operation due to budget pressures and analysis of the organization’s priorities.
The unit’s two horses had been a regular presence at community festivals and on patrol in high-visibility locations.
Although the unit was shut down April 1, the horses remain property of the organization.
Sam Purdy, vice-chair of the police services board, says they will be offered to those who knew them best – their riders and their trainers – at market value.
“The hope is that they’ll stay within ownership of members of the Waterloo Regional Police Service,” he said Wednesday.
A similar policy is in place for retiring police dogs, which are offered first to their handlers.
