Explanation
“Sam” a police horse that has been in service with the Division of Police’s Mounted Unit for 4.5 years needs to be returned to his previous owner.
“Sam” had three incidents when he took off, unprovoked, at events with high energy atmospheres. It would be in the best interest of the Division to take “Sam” out of service and return him to his previous owner who donated the horse to the Division of Police.
It is recommended that “Sam” be returned to the original owner, Jessica Owens, who donated the horse to the Division of Police and who has the resources to properly care for “Sam”.
Additionally, the Division of Police Legal Bureau has developed a general release document that relinquishes the City of Columbus from any liability as it relates to the post retirement care and control of “Sam”, and assigns that liability to Jessica Owens.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There are no plans to replace this horse.
Title
To authorize and direct the Finance and Management Director to return to Jessica Owens a police horse with the registered name of “Sam” which has no further value to the Division of Police, and to waive the provisions of City Code-Sale of City-owned personal property.
Body
WHEREAS, “Sam” is a 4.5 year old Percheron police horse who has had three incidents where he took off in high energy events, and
WHEREAS, “Sam” behavioral issue consist of the inability to control energy level when exposed to stimuli; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City to allow this horse to be returned to his previous owner, Jessica Owens, who donated the horse to the Division ; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
Section 1. That the Finance and Management Director is hereby authorized and directed to return the horse with the registered name of “Sam” to Jessica Owens, the original owner of the house.
Section 2. That the Council of the City of Columbus finds it is in the best interests of the City that City Code Section 329.34- Sale of City-owned personal property, be and is hereby waived to permit the return of this specific horse to Jessica Owens .
Section 3. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.