Protect horses

My question arises from reporter Susannah Bryan’s Oct. 11 story on the mounted unit of the Fort Lauderdale police department. Perhaps this very talented reporter can discover why the horses that the public police and government officials will not relinquish were seen without standard, basic protective gear that is required in emergency situations.

Police horses without proper defensive equipment are left exposed to danger, injury and pain that occur in the worst moments of police work. It was shocking to see Fort Lauderdale police horses without even face shields to protect their eyes in the many media image of the violent downtown protests in May 2020 following the death of George Floyd.

The confrontation peaked at the intersection of S.E. First Avenue and S.E. Second Street, near the county main library, with police and protesters dispersing tear gas. The protesters and police came equipped with eye gear and face masks. Unlike the officers mounted on their backs, the horses had nothing. Their eyes, faces and bodies were exposed, according to video clips.

Protective anti-tear gas riot gear for horses is available and widely used elsewhere. As animal advocates point out, the humans on both sides of conflicts chose their roles and accept the risks. Horses are captive animals. Despite their size and power, they are helpless to decline the duties they are conscripted for and powerless to protect their unshielded bodies from harm. If animals are pressed into service to protect us, we are obligated to protect them in turn. Why didn’t we?

Della Attisani, Coconut Creek

(Editor’s Note: A police department spokeswoman said protective equipment is used for crowd control and in civil disturbances, including in May 2020).