Slideshow Farewell to our police horse, Vegas
The University of Wisconsin Police Department gathered on Tuesday for a final goodbye to long-time police horse Vegas, who was euthanized.
Vegas has been suffering from Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Disease, an incurable ailment that affects the horse’s ability to use his hind legs, causing a lot of pain.
Assistant Chief Kari Sasso worked with Vegas for the past 12 years, often providing crowd control at large public events on campus.
A teary-eyed Assistant Chief Kari Sasso stands with her police horse, Vegas. Last summer, Vegas was diagnosed with Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Disease, which is incurable.
UWPD members express their condolences to Sasso, at right, and bid farewell to Vegas. Photo by: Jeff Miller
Nearly 40 colleagues and friends shared their condolences. Photo by: Jeff Miller
Led by an honor guard, Sasso makes an emotional escort of her police horse, Vegas, at UW Veterinary Care. Photo by: Jeff Miller
The number of people expressing condolences showed how many people Vegas touched. The UW Mounted Patrol, established in 1989, often works in conjunction with mounted officers from other police departments.
Casey, a narcotics police dog for UWPD, and handler Sgt. Cherise Cardine visit with Sasso and Vegas. Photo by: Jeff Miller
Sasso, at right, receives a hug from Sgt. Cherise Cardine.
Sasso looks on as fourth-year School of Veterinary Medicine students Lynn Roberts, center, and Gina Kim examine, Vegas, before sedating him for the euthanization. Photo by: Jeff Miller
Sasso shares a moment with Vegas. Photo by: Jeff Miller
