11/19/24 Two years ago, authorities declared they were not even considering mounted police
Animal Friends Croatia urges ministers to abandon the introducing police horses
- The idea of mounted police was abandoned 20 years ago for budgetary savings; modern systems, not horses, should be introduced.
Following announcements about considering mounted police, Animal Friends Croatia sent letters to Ministers Božinović and Dabro, urging them to reject this inappropriate idea and offering additional information and collaboration. They emphasized that horses, being naturally sensitive animals rather than predators, do not belong on streets or in resolving human conflicts. They called on ministry leaders to avoid returning Croatia to the past and instead promote modern vehicles and advanced technologies, which represent the future of police and armed forces while protecting both horses and the interests of citizens.
They noted that the total costs of introducing and maintaining horses for police use would reach millions, which citizens would perceive as an unjustifiable extravagance. The organization reminded the authorities that an attempt to establish mounted police after the Croatian War of Independence failed due to high costs and was abandoned in 2003 for financial savings. “Therefore, we consider any renewed attempt to introduce mounted police to be unjustifiable and irrational, requiring enormous funds for acquisition, training, and maintenance. Two years ago, the Ministry of the Interior stated that they were not considering mounted police because they were satisfied with the equipment and vehicles available to their specialized and intervention units,” they added.
Recent public opinion polls indicate that most citizens oppose the idea of establishing mounted police. Many suspect this initiative might serve two purposes: benefiting politically connected horse breeders or serving as a tool to suppress potential protests and social unrest. “People are horrified at the thought of absurd scenes of horses on asphalt in the 21st century, surrounded by cars, trams, and buses – an environment entirely unsuitable for them, causing stress to both horses and people. They fear the sight of horses breaking their legs on tram tracks, panicking due to traffic noise, or being used against protestors during public gatherings,” Animal Friends Croatia warned.
They pointed out that using horses in policing contradicts the Animal Protection Act, as the animals undergo hard training to withstand high-risk situations. Consequently, the police would bear responsibility for leg fractures and other injuries to the horses, as well as injuries and fatalities among people. “In Croatia, there is already a shortage of shelters for pets and domestic animals, and we don’t need additional problems with retired police horses, for which there are no sanctuaries. These horses would likely end up in slaughterhouses,” Animal Friends Croatia expressed concern.
Finally, they stressed that there is no need for horses to perform tasks that can be done more effectively, safely, and efficiently with technology. Silent electric vehicles enable police officers to approach situations without alerting suspects, and police forces worldwide are integrating electric vehicles into their fleets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower costs, and leverage advanced technology for increased sustainability and operational efficiency. Additionally, drones have become essential tools for border surveillance and public safety operations. Two weeks ago, the New York Police Department announced plans to equip their vehicles with drones for rapid emergency response. Globally, the trend in policing is moving toward drone technology, not the reintroduction of horses.
Croatia’s police and military are uniquely positioned to benefit from incredible innovations produced by domestic companies. “Among other options, a multifunctional machine is available that is unique in Europe, featuring a one-of-a-kind robotic system designed for managing high-risk crisis situations. With such advanced modern systems at its disposal, it is absurd to invest enormous financial resources in mounted police, which in the 21st century represents a pure anachronism,” Animal Friends Croatia stated.
Animal Friends Croatia called on the ministers to acknowledge the overwhelmingly negative public perception of using horses for police work as outdated, backward, and primitive. They emphasized that the future lies in robotics, artificial intelligence, and drones. They offered detailed information and urged authorities not to proceed with plans for mounted police.
