With the retirement of one Wichita police horse and the impending retirement of a second, the department wants to add a new horse to the mounted unit — a Clydesdale.
“This is a need that needs to be fulfilled now,” said Becca Boldra, executive director of the Wichita Police Foundation.
Boldra said the department doesn’t have money in its budget to buy a new horse, so the police foundation has organized a Horse for Heroes campaign to raise $20,000 for the Clydesdale and tack. The foundation has already found a horse that meets the department’s basic requirements, though it would go through additional police training. The horse, which is 4 years old, has the potential to serve on the department for 15 to 20 years if he stays healthy, Boldra said.
(Read more: Wichita Eagle)