There's be no more horsing around in the Winnipeg police department.
They've disbanded their mounted patrol unit, in which two officers on horses have been patrolling streets since 1998.
The unit was a fixture at parades, community gatherings and festivals.
Police Chief Devon Clunis said Friday the decision was made earlier this year.
He said at a time of tough fiscal restraints, they felt it was the best move in terms of the utilization of resources.
A police spokesperson says it cost up to $25,000 to feed and house the horses, a number that does not include the cost of equipment and the horse and trailer used to transport the animals in and out of the city.
In the past, the high-profile mounted unit was regularly touted as a means of improving community relations and allowing the public a more welcoming opportunity to interact with police.
"It's unfortunate the unit has been disbanded," said Downtown Biz executive director, Stefano Grande. "It's a great way of engaging the community in a constructive manner."
The two officers have been reassigned to community relations while the horses, Titus and Amaro, have been sold "at market value" to one of the officers, who is also retiring.
(Global Winnipeg)
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