A mounted police unit has devised a new way to care for its horses once their career is over.
Lancashire Constabulary has set up a “retired police horse benevolent fund” .
“All our horses are usually rehomed through charities such as World Horse Welfare, but we decided it was time to take responsibility ourselves,” said PC David Davies from the mounted unit.
“Once a home is found, the horses will be given free of charge to the new owner and the fund will cover ongoing costs — including any vet treatment — that is needed.”
Part-bred Irish draught Invincible, aka “George”, is the first horse to be rehomed. The 21-year-old has gone to a private home in Clitheroe and will be hacked out.
“He’s still perfectly healthy, but just wasn’t up to the job any more,” added PC Davies.
All 6,000 members of the Lancashire Constabulary are invited to an open day at the mounted unit headquarters in Hutton on 31 August.
Tony Tyler of World Horse Welfare congratulated Lancashire Police on the move, adding: “I’m sure they will check each home carefully.”
This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (19 August, 2010)
