Courtesy Union-Tribune:
Seven prized and highly trained horses that San Diego police officers used in mounted patrol will go up for auction today.
The mounted enforcement unit, founded in 1983, patrolled Balboa Park and also was deployed in special details across the county such as major conventions and at Qualcomm Stadium.
The city disbanded the unit in December to help close a $179 million budget gap.
Selling the horses is expected to save the city $243,000 annually in upkeep for the animals and their equipment, San Diego police Assistant Chief Bob Kanaski said.
The horses, ranging in age from 9 to 12 years old, as well as their tack and other equipment will be offered for sale online through Feb. 10, Kanaski said. Starting bids for the horses are expected to be $500 to $1,500, he said.
Potential buyers can view the animals from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday. The horses cannot be ridden or handled before they are sold.
Blankets, saddle pads, heaters, saddle blankets, pipe rails and other items also will be up for auction.
Currently the horses are going from $3,000 to $8,000.
