11/13/24 Introducing horse cruelty is against the interests of Croatian citizens!
Animal Friends Croatia and Croatian citizens strongly oppose the introduction of police horses.
- European police forces mostly use modern vehicles, which reduce costs and protect the planet.
“Are they serious?”, “What’s next—introducing bows and arrows as weapons and candles instead of electricity?”, “Is Croatia returning to the Middle Ages?”, “Do politicians expect protests they plan to suppress with cavalry?” These are just some of the sharp reactions from citizens who contacted the Animal Friends Croatia after news emerged that the Ministry of the Interior is considering introducing mounted police. In response, Animal Friends Croatia announced plans to address the Minister of the Interior, the Minister of Agriculture, and the Prime Minister to request the abandonment of this idea, for ethical and economic reasons.
“We are unpleasantly surprised by the announcement of introducing mounted police, given that the use of horses in policing goes against the Animal Protection Act, the basic principles of animal welfare, and the will and interests of Croatian citizens. Our country has no tradition of using horses in police work, nor should it! Instead, we should look up to the majority of European police forces that use specially modified vehicles, which improve police mobility, reduce costs, and align with government goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” they stated.
They pointed out that acquiring horses for the police is extremely expensive, problematic, unreasonable, and detrimental to the already struggling Croatian citizens.
“For just the basic equipment for a single horse, you need a saddle, neoprene girth for securing the saddle, stirrup leathers, an equipment bag, protective helmet, two pairs of leg protectors, combined bridles, reflective accessories for the bridle, saddle, and legs, a training ball for horses, as well as trousers, gloves, summer and winter riding boots, protective helmet, elbow and knee protectors, and rain gear for the rider. Add to that the costs of the police uniform, purchasing the horse, food, adequate accommodation, regular and emergency veterinary costs, monthly farrier services, basic and specialized training for both the rider and the horse for high-stress situations. The total costs of introducing and maintaining horses for the Croatian police would amount to millions, which is disgraceful, socially inappropriate, and completely absurd!”
The Minister himself confirmed the high expenses, stating that this would be a significant financial and logistical burden. Using horses to suppress social unrest would be contrary to civilized approaches to addressing societal issues, leaving the purpose of mounted police and these excessive costs unclear. Furthermore, using horses in the 21st century is an outdated and primitive relic from the past.
Horses are highly sensitive and intelligent social animals that do not belong on the streets or in conflict resolution among humans. Police horses undergo a rigorous training process to handle high-risk situations, such as aggressive crowds, noise, impacts, shoving, and pyrotechnics. Even with prolonged training, there is no guarantee that a horse will not panic, which can lead to severe injuries to people (on the ground and riders), the horse itself, and property. Under stress perceived as life-threatening, a horse will try to escape, and if escape is impossible due to the rider, physical barriers, or a crowd, the panicked horse may start kicking with its shod hooves, potentially causing fractures, skull injuries, trampling, and so forth. Horses also often sustain injuries – head trauma, leg fractures from falls, bodily injuries (puncture wounds, hematomas), harm from pyrotechnics, behavioural disorders, and more. Horseback riding itself is a high-risk activity, and falling from a horse can result in fatal injuries for the rider.
Animal Friends Croatia also notes that retired police horses would likely end up in slaughterhouses since Croatia lacks sanctuaries for horses. They point out that Croatian citizens are already fed up with horse abuse during events like horse-pulling contests. In a country where many cannot afford a dignified life, introducing police horses would be seen as unjustifiable extravagance.
For these reasons, they demand the abandonment of plans to introduce police horses, both to protect the animals and to safeguard the interests of citizens.
