Palm Springs Police Horse Up for Adoption
February 2nd, 2008 Posted in Reptile PetsA horse that provided three years service to the Palm Springs Police Departments Mounted Enforcement Unit is being retired for medical reasons, and officers who worked with the steed are looking to the public for help in finding him a home. Ebony, a 22-year-old black-and-white Tennessee walking horse no longer able to carry riders because of arthritis and an affliction called ringbone, which concentrates pain in a horses front feet, according to Palm Springs police Sgt. Mitch Spike. “Ebony is unable to … perform any real work, the sergeant said. “He would have to be adopted by someone who would be willing to accept him as a `large pet. The police department bought the 17-hand-high gelding in 2005 and used him on numerous street patrols, said Spike, who described Ebony as gentle and not easily spooked, thanks to many hours working in an urban environment. “He enjoys love and attention from humans, but is also happiest in the company of other horses as his stable mates, the sergeant said. The Pegasus Riding Academy in Philadelphia, which specializes in equestrian programs for disabled children, had expressed an interest in Ebony, Spike said, but abandoned the idea of boarding him when “he was unable to pass their screening because of his lameness. By offering Ebony for adoption, the police department also hoped to draw attention to the mounted units funding needs, Spike said. “The police mounted unit is in desperate need of funds to keep the horses healthy and maintained, he said. “The unit has an annual operating budget of $16,000, which is funded primarily through contributions from the community. Donations support the Palm Springs police stable and cover the cost of feeding, shoeing and meeting the horses medical requirements, Spike said. The mounted unit will hold a fundraiser on April 12 at the Palm Springs Pavilion, featuring a country-western themed dinner, dance, barbecue and raffle contest, according to Spike. The cost of admittance will be $22. Anyone interested in helping Ebony or making a donation to the MEU was encouraged to contact Palm Springs police Officer Marc Melanson at (760) 778-8440, ext. 6523.
Tags: adoption, horses, love, Pet, tennessee