A police horse that was described as “brave, but gentle” which was punched by a football thug after a derby match has sadly passed away.
Despite being punched, Bud was not hurt during the violence that erupted following a football match between Newcastle and Sunderland.
The thug who punched the horse, Barry Rogerson, was jailed for 12 months following the incident.
Police Horse Bud was 21-years-old when he passed away and had served with both the West Yorkshire and Metropolitan police forces.
Bud died on 2nd September from colic having retired from the police in October 2019. Staff at The Horse Trust in Buckinghamshire said that they made sure that Bud “never saw another football scarf”.
The charity’s chief executive Jeanette Allen said:
“Bud had a wonderful retirement, albeit a sadly short one after being taken from us by a fatal colic.
“It is our privilege to care for these incredible animals later in life that along with their officers give so much to our communities and I personally made sure that Bud never saw another football scarf while he was with us.
“He spent his days out in our beautiful fields with fellow retirees.
“We just so wish we could have had him longer, such a brave but gentle boy who remarkably still loved people.”
Bud started his service in 2005 with West Yorkshire Police. Ten years later, he was transferred over to the Metropolitan Police.
Owing to his ‘skill, calmness and experience’, Bud helped to teach new recruits in the Mounted Branch and also helped to escort newly trained police horses during their first tours of duty.
Posting a touching tribute on The Horse Trust website, Alice Morgan said:
‘We almost can’t believe we are writing this so soon after we lost our dear Iceini.
‘It is with a heavy heart that very suddenly we had to say our final goodbyes to Bud, aged 21, who retired to The Horse Trust in 2019 after 14 years of loyal public service.
‘Bud was an extremely handsome 17.1hh dark Bay Shire X who started what would be a long and fruitful career with West Yorkshire Police back in 2005.
‘Throughout his career, Bud was involved with all the aspects of mounted policing, the good, the bad and, as we know, the occasionally ugly face of public gatherings including local patrols, ceremonial events, public demonstrations and countless sporting events.
‘Most horse lovers will remember how shocked they were on seeing West Yorkshire Police horse Bud, being punched on the nose by a drunken football fan at a Newcastle vs Sunderland derby match back in April 2013.
‘Thankfully, the perpetrator received a 12-month prison sentence, and Bud was unharmed during the incident.
‘Not many horses would be able to bounce straight back to work after this incident, but with his calm and steady temperament, Bud did just that.
‘His groom’s first memory of Bud’s arrival was being dragged to the nearest patch of lush grass….and how can you say no to that face!
‘Always sweet-natured and kind, he would wait patiently for his breakfast keeping all his field buddies in check whenever they misbehaved – once a police horse always a police horse.
‘Bud still adored people and was always the first at the gate for a kiss on the snout or good scratch and a cuddle.
‘Unfortunately, Bud was found in his field suffering from severe colic.
‘The situation was assessed but even with heavy pain relief he wasn’t able to get up, so the very difficult but kindest decision was made to put him to sleep.
‘Bud it was an absolute honour and a privilege to retire you from your years of dedication to public service and order.
‘You were one of the bravest four-legged souls we have ever met and had the pleasure of caring for.
‘Your sweet nature and kind face will never be forgotten – we just so wish we could have had you with us for longer, but it wasn’t to be.
‘Gorgeous boy your duty is done. Stand down and rest easy in paradise with your buddies – if anyone deserves it it’s you. HTx’
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