MPD Mounted Patrol Horse Dies

Kandour Was Known As A Gentle Giant

The Madison Police Department (MPD) is mourning the loss of one of its' own. Kandour was known as the gentle giant of the MPD's Mounted Patrol. The 11-year old Percheron draft horse died quietly at the UW's Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital yesterday after struggling with medical issues for a few months. In recent weeks, neurological complications worsened significantly and when Kandour was transported to the Veterinary Hospital he was having difficulty standing. This week, Kandour was supported in a sling while additional diagnostic testing and a neurologic evaluation could be done. His condition was judged to be grave and, without the support of a sling, he was considered to be a danger to himself or his caregivers. In the presence of his friends, he was put to sleep. Kandour joined the mounted unit in January of this year, and his size and demeanor made an impact on everyone who encountered him. Officer Ken Mulry was Kandour's primary rider, and together they worked Mifflin Street, Elver Park and Rhythm & Booms, while also performing patrol work and doing public appearances throughout the Madison. At this year's Midwest Horse Fair, Kandour was given the honor of carrying the American flag- something no Madison Police horse has done since the department re-started the mounted unit in 2007. "He stood valiant and brave at Rhythm and Booms and Elver Park fireworks displays and met the challenge of the Mifflin Street block party in stride. Most importantly, he has taught us a lot about the type of horse we would like on our unit- Kandour made many friends by his gentle and calm nature and our unit has suffered a huge loss in his passing," said Officer Sarah McLaughlin, a member of the MPD Mounted Unit. She added, "Kandour was everyone's horse, but Officer Mulry has had the difficult task of caring for and seeing his partner lose this battle.

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