Houston Police Department Horses May Soon Have Sponsors

The horses in the Houston Police Department's Mounted Patrol unit could be partnering up to fight crime thanks to a new sponsorship program being launched by the HPD. The program will let companies name their own mounted patrol horse for $5,000 a year with the company name being displayed on the horse's on-duty saddle and stall, among other benefits. According to the Houston Chronicle, McDonald's and Chevron have already expressed interest in the program.

The sponsorship wouldn't be the first time police horses were sponsored. In 2010, 7-Eleven spent $5,000 to rename a Baltimore police horse "Slurpee."

“This sponsorship program is a great way for HPD to partner with the Houston business community,” said HPD Lieutenant Randall Wallace. “Our horses play a vital role in keeping citizens safe. We appreciate the leadership role the Houston Downtown Management District has taken in this endeavor.”

Each horse costs the HPD about $4,200 annually to feed and maintain. The Houston Police Department held a ceremony (video below) yesterday to launch the program.

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