United States police officer stays with horse during animal's dying moments
A Houston police officer comforted his horse as she took her dying breaths after she was struck by a truck while on patrol.
A United States mounted police officer has been commended for his compassion after he comforted his horse during her dying moments.
Houston Animal Justice League posted a heart-wrenching photo of Officer D Herrejon lying with his Houston Police Department Mounted Patrol horse Charlotte after she was fatally struck by a truck earlier this week.
According to the post the six-year-old chestnut Tennessee Walking Horse was spooked while on patrol.
Charlotte excelled in her training and passed her evaluations with flying colours.
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She bucked her rider off and ran into the street where she was hit by a truck.
"The amazing part of this tragic story is what its rider did while he lay in the street," Animal Justice League said.
Charlotte had been working as a police patrol horse four four years.
"We admire the heart & strength of this officer because as you know, when you lose an animal, to be with them during their last breath is a heartbreaking & tough thing to do.
"Thank you to her for loving her partner & friend until the end."
Houston Police Department also posted about the loss of Charlotte.
This picture of Officer D Herrejon riding Charlotte was taken the day before she died.
"It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of Charlotte, an HPD Mounted Patrol horse, who died in the line of duty this morning in a motor vehicle accident."
Houston Police said Herrejon was taken to hospital as a precaution following the incident and was doing well.
The investigation into Charlotte's death was ongoing but the truck driver was not believed to be at fault, police said.
Houston Police Department said Charlotte was always ready to nuzzle children or capture bad guys.
Charlotte came to the police department from Oklahoma four years ago.
She thrived in the department's barefoot and natural horsemanship programs, police said.
She passed her evaluation period with flying colours and was working the streets of Downtown Houston within a short time of being started under saddle.
We've always said we support ALL animals, and know the relationship with those animals & their person is an incredible...
Posted by Animal Justice League on Friday, December 4, 2015
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of Charlotte, an HPD Mounted Patrol horse, who died in the line of...
Posted by Houston Police Department on Thursday, December 3, 2015
"She loved her job and was always ready to go to work putting bad guys in jail or giving nuzzles to children...She will be missed."
The Facebook posts from Houston Police Department and Animal Justice League had been shared almost 9000 and 4000 times respectively.
Thank you to whomever placed a carrot at 200 Fannin in memory of our Mounted Patrol horse Charlotte. #RIP pic.twitter.com/cfnh9c8BOn
— Houston Police (@houstonpolice) December 4, 2015- Stuff
