INDIANAPOLIS -- For the second time in less than a month, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department is mourning the loss of another mounted patrol horse.
Dusty, a 22-year-old Percheron quarter cross, was put down Tuesday morning due to lower leg issues. IMPD says the problems were "beyond the scope of repair."
“He was the rock and father of the herd," said Horse Patrol Association Executive Director Chris Golightly. "He was always placing the rookie or veteran horses in their place. He was a rock-solid, reliable horse for the Unit and he will be missed for sure,"
Dusty's death comes less than a month after IMPD Mounted Patrol had to put down another horse due to age and pain.
The Mounted House Patrol Association purchased Dusty in 2004 from a prison in Louisiana where inmates helped trained police horses.
The average age of the Mounted Patrol's herd is about 15 years old. The horse patrol association says it it is facing the difficult task of replacing both Dusty and Colonel with tight funds.
The association is looking for donations to help purchase new horses. If you would like to learn more or support the association, you can do so here.
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