Explanation
BACKGROUND: "Duke" a police horse that has been in service with the Division of Police's Mounted Unit for approximately 6 months needs to be retired. Dr. William M. Gesel, D.V.M., the Mounted Unit's veterinarian, has recommended that "Duke" should be pulled from service and no longer ridden on the street due to ringbone. Ringbone is a condition where calcium deposits form in the circumference around the bone and cause irritations leading to abscesses. "Duke" came to the Division of Police, Mounted Unit, as a donation on September 4, 2013. "Duke" was donated by a rescue organization that stated he was a carriage horse prior to his rescue. Duke's medical history was unable to be determined other than a skin condition on his lower legs at the time of donation. On September 5, 2013 the Mounted Unit Veterinarian, Doctor William Gesel, inspected "Duke" and gave him clearance to begin training as no signs of obvious joint, spiral, or hoof problems were readily apparent. "Duke" began developing abscesses in his right front hoof soon after. These abscesses became frequent occurrences and left him unserviceable for weeks. "Duke" is not fully capable of performing the patrol related duties required of a Police Mount. The Division of Police concurs with the recommendation of Doctor William Gesel that "Duke" should be pulled from service and retired as a Police Mounted Unit Horse.
It is recommended that "Duke" be sold to Sergeant Robert Forsythe #5177. Sergeant Robert Forsythe #5177 has agreed to adopt "Duke".
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 "Duke", and assigns that liability to Sergeant Robert Forsythe #5177.
FISCAL IMPACT: Two horses were purchased at the end of last year. They are being trained and are close to being put into service. Therefore, there is no need for a replacement horse. There is no impact on the General Fund due to the
retirement of "Duke."
Title
To authorize and direct the Finance and Management Director to sell to Sergeant Robert Forsythe, for the sum of $1.00, a police horse with the registered name of "Duke" 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, "Duke" has been a Mounted Unit horse with the Division of Police for approximately six months; and
WHEREAS, Mounted Unit's Veterinarian Dr. William M. Gesel, D.V.M., has recommended this horse be retired due to significant problems with the medical condition of ringbone.
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City to allow this horse to be purchased by Sergeant Robert Forsythe #5177 for the sum of $1.00; 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 sell a police horse with the registered name of "Duke" to Sergeant Robert Forsythe #5177 for the sum of $1.00.
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 Sergeant Robert Forsythe #5177.
SECTION 3. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.