Explanation
“Jack" is a police horse that has been in service with the Division of Police’s Mounted Unit since July of 2015 and now needs to be taken out of service.
“Jack” has not been responding to training and has become unpredictable when deployed on the street. This has created a risk of possible injury to the officer riding “Jack” and the potential for citizens to become injured as well, which could create a liability for the division and the City. He currently cannot perform the duties necessary of a police horse on the streets of the City of Columbus on a daily basis. It is in the best interest of “Jack” and the Division to take him out of service and retire him. Not retiring “Jack” would require the Division to continue paying the additional cost for feed and medical expenses with no guarantee that he would be street worthy.
It is recommended that “Jack” be retired and to permit his last rider, Officer Sandra Silva #1537, to assume custody and care of “Jack” and purchase him from the Division of Police for the sum of $1.00.(ORC 9.62, (C)). Officer Silva #1537 has agreed to accept “Jack”.
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 “Jack”, and assigns that liability to Officer Sandra Silva #1537.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Revenue of $1.00 will be deposited due the retirement of "Jack".
Title
To authorize and direct the Finance and Management Director to sell to Officer Sandra Silva #1537, for the sum of $1.00, a police horse with the registered name of “Jack” which has no further value to the Division of Police; and to waive the provisions of Section 329.34 of the Columbus City Codes regarding the sale of City-owned personal property.
Body
WHEREAS, “Jack” has been a Mounted Unit horse with the Division of Police since July of 2015; and,
WHEREAS, it is recommended that “Jack” be retired due to unpredictable behavior when deployed on the streets; and,
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City to allow this horse to be purchased by Officer Sandra Silva #1537 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 the police horse with the registered name of “Jack” to Officer Sandra Silva #1537 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 - Sale of City-owned personal property, be and is hereby waived to permit the sale of this specific horse to Officer Sandra Silva #1537.
SECTION 3. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.