Two years ago, a police horse in Toronto was tragically injured by a car—a reminder of the inherent risks that these noble animals face while serving the public. What makes this situation even more distressing is the way decisions about their health and even their lives are made. It is not veterinarians, with their extensive training and understanding of animal welfare, who determine the fate of these horses. Instead, police sergeants, lacking the necessary expertise, are making critical health decisions, including when and how these horses should be euthanized. https://animaljustice.ca/blog/toronto-mounted-police-authorized-to-kill-horses?utm_source=engagingnetworks&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mounted_police&utm_content=feb_newsletter&utm_term=button&fbclid=IwY2xjawQT3w9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR5Wb0lGCjIFH_uR-KT6iI_o39611LVxiNAN-kFB_ruNMuXlnrNN1k5lgxKnTQ_aem_-JebcMLEX8sL8poN5uqyBw

Recent findings, uncovered by Animal Justice, reveal a shocking truth: internal policies of the Toronto Police Service authorize officers to harm and even kill the horses in the Mounted Unit. The method of "euthanasia" employed is not the peaceful, humane process they deserve but rather involves the use of a shotgun—an appallingly violent way to end any creature's life.

Moreover, the policies also permit hitting horses, a practice that clearly constitutes abuse. Horses are sensitive, intelligent animals and should be treated with the utmost respect, not subjected to violence. Placing them in such dangerous situations, like busy city streets where the threat of accidents is ever-present, is profoundly unjust.

Our plea is simple: End this brutality and revise the policies governing the Mounted Unit. We propose that decisions about a horse's welfare should only be made by qualified veterinarians. Furthermore, in circumstances necessitating end-of-life decisions, horses should be humanely euthanized under professional veterinary care, not shot. Lastly, the use of any form of violence against horses must be strictly prohibited.

These changes protect the well-being of horses while maintaining public safety. Join us in urging the Toronto Police Service to implement humane and ethical standards for the treatment of their mounted police horses. Sign this petition to stand against cruelty and ensure these animals are treated with the respect and care they deserve.