SEATTLE — The Seattle Police Department announced Monday it will decommission its Mounted Patrol Unit amid the staffing shortages the department has been facing.
The Mounted Patrol Unit has a 150-year history serving the city in many capacities including crowd control and patrolling parks
According to the department, the unit has been downsized to two members and has been primarily only used for community events, ceremonies and memorial services as of late. The limited usage has reportedly been made possible through supplemental funding and donations from individuals and organizations.
Seattle police said the decrease in officers over the past four years has led to the department having to prioritize its existing workforce. The department said the five horses and one pony "require and deserve a great deal of ongoing care, which requires expensive facilities, trainers and caretakers" to ensure their health and well-being.
According to a budget presentation made to the Seattle City Council Select Budget Committee on Tuesday, the Seattle Police Department has seen a 25% decrease in the total number of deployable officers since 2014.
Decommissioning the Mounted Patrol Unit would save the department $230,000 in 2025 and $237,000 in 2026. The two remaining members, a sergeant and officer would be reassigned to other police duties.
The department will be working over the next several weeks to find a "compassionate and meaningful transition" for the animals and said they hope they can continue serving the community in other ways.
The Seattle Police Foundation saved the unit in 2010 after a city budget shortfall nearly cut it with a fundraising campaign.