Explanation
BACKGROUND:
BUBBA a police horse with the registered name of "K.R.W. Dream Catcher", has been with the Mounted Unit since August 2001.
BUBBA has been diagnosed by the Mounted Unit's veterinarian, Dr. William M. Gesel, D.V.M., with deterioration of both hocks and concurrent soreness of both front legs that has caused him to no longer be used safely as a mounted unit horse. Current treatments and medications have not been effective in treating the pain and joint deterioration in both hocks. It is also the opinion of Dr. Gesel and the immediate supervisor of the Police Mounted Unit that BUBBA's medical condition renders him unfit for Police duty and needs to retire immediately.
It is recommended that BUBBA be sold to Officer Connie Louthen who is familiar with BUBBA's medical problems and his treatment and has the facility to properly care for horses.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The yet undetermined costs associated with the replacement of a horse considered versatile for law enforcement use by the Division of Police.
Title
To authorize and direct the Finance Director to sell to Officer Connie Louthen, for the sum of $1.00, a police horse with the registered name of "K.R.W. Dream Catcher" (AKA BUBBA) 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, "K.R.W. Dream Catcher" (AKA BUBBA) has been, a horse with the Division of Police since August 2001; and
WHEREAS, Mounted Unit's Veterinarian Dr. William M. Gesel, D.V.M., has determined this horse has deterioration of both hocks and concurrent soreness of both front legs; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Gesel has requested that BUBBA no longer be ridden for his comfort and the safety of the officer riding him; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City to allow this horse to be purchased by Officer Connie Louthen for the sum of $1.00; now therefore
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
Section 1. That the Finance Director is hereby authorized and directed to sell a police horse with the registered name of "K.R.W. Dream Catcher" (AKA BUBBA) to Officer Connie Louthen.
Section 2. That the Council of the City of Columbus finds it is in the best interests of the City that City code 329.26 - Sale of City-owned personal property, be and is hereby waived to permit the sale of this specific horse to Officer Connie Louthen.
Section 3. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.