HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - Hartford Police are disbanding their mounted unit because officials say it’s too expensive to staff and care for the horses.
The Hartford Courant reports (https://cour.at/2gbWSkE ) the department has just two horses left, and it cost $30,000 to maintain the unit this year.
The police union found private donors to give $20,000 to offset that cost, but police officials and the mayor say it’s also a matter of manpower.
Deputy Chief Brian Foley tells the newspaper that they love the horses, but the department is down 100 officers. One officer is currently assigned to the unit.
The city put the two horses and equipment up for sale, but got just one bid of $500, so the sale was canceled.
Mayor Luke Bronin says they will try again for a better price.
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