CITY EXPLORING OPTIONS FOR HPD HORSES    

Mayor Mufi Hannemann announced today that the city is considering several options to transfer the seven horses in the Honolulu Police Department’s Mounted Patrol Unit, which the department discontinued last year.

“Since HPD disbanded the unit, the horses have been well cared for in Waimanalo,” Hannemann said.  “The time is growing near, however, for the horses to be transferred from HPD’s hands, and we’ve been meeting with the department on the best possible solution.”

Among the options being considered, Hannemann said, is having another government entity experienced in the care of animals take and care for the horses.  In addition, there’s a possibility that a private caretaker with large pastures could take the horses. 

“There is no auction of the horses planned, nor has HPD ever requested an auction,” 

Hannemann said.  “We will use every effort to keep the horses together.  We will not

simply  sell the horses one-by-one, at a public auction at which just anyone could bid  without

any assurances that that they will be humanely treated with the respect and the care they deserve

following their devoted service to the Honolulu Police Department and the community.”

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