Explanation
“Legend” a police horse that has been in service with the Division of Police’s Mounted Unit for nine years needs to be retired and sold.
“Legend” has uveitis, which is a painful inflammatory eye disease that can cause blindness. This condition can take “Legend” out of service for months at a time. It is in the City’s best interest to retire “Legend”.
It is recommended that “Legend” be sold to his handler Officer Dawn Smith #1588 who has the resources to properly care for “Legend”.
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 “Legend”, and assigns that liability to Officer Dawn Smith #1588.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no plan to replace this horse.
Title
To authorize and direct the Finance and Management Director to sell to Officer Dawn Smith #1588, for the sum of $1.00, a police horse with the registered name of “Legend” which has no further value to the Division of Police and to waive the provisions of City Code-Sale of City-owned personal property. ($0.00)
Body
WHEREAS, “Legend” is a 19 year old Percheron Friesian Cross and he has been put into service a limited amount of time with the Mounted unit due to medical issues; and
WHEREAS, “Legend's” medical issues cause him to be out of service for months at a time; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City to waive the provisions of Chapter 329 of City Code to allow this horse to be retired and purchased by Officer Dawn Smith #1588 for the sum of $1.00; and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary in the daily operation of the Department of Public Safety to retire this horse and sell him to his handler, for the preservation of the public safety, health, peace, property, and welfare; 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 “Legend” to Officer Dawn Smith #1588 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 329.34- Sale of City-owned personal property, be and is hereby waived to permit the sale of this specific horse to Officer Dawn Smith #1588.
Section 3. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.