Toronto police mourn death of horse injured on job

CANADA -- A beloved 16-year-old Toronto police horse named “Royal Sun” had to be euthanized after suffering from a leg injury he acquired on the job.

The 2,2000 pound Belgian Cross was patrolling the city’s entertainment district early Sunday morning, when he was startled by something on John Street and moved abruptly, said Sgt. Christopher Heard.

The sudden movement caused him to tear a ligament in his hind leg, which caused him to shift his weight and fracture his leg. He was taken to an equine hospital, where he was later put down.

Heard said the “gentle giant,” who was with the mounted unit for 12 years, was the epitome of what a police horse should be.

Royal Sun was often seen patrolling downtown streets and was used during the G20.

Heard said it wasn’t in the horse’s nature to hurt anyone and called the horse “2,000 pounds of love.”

A private memorial service is being planned for the horse.

(CTV News - Nov 7, 2012)

Buffalo, MO man charged with animal abuse after horses found dead

MISSOURI -- A Buffalo man is facing charges of animal abuse and violating laws of disposing of a dead animal.

Investigators say 54 year old Ronald Downey had four dead Belgian Draft horses in a pen behind his house in July.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture says the horse died from lack of water.   The above picture was taken when the horses were healthy.

Downey was informed he had to dispose of the dead horsed properly.

Investigators went back to Downey's house to find the horsed were covered up with dirt and hay.

(KSPR - Oct 12, 2012)