UW-Madison Police Department’s police horse, Vegas, died Tuesday after more than one year of suffering from Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Disease.
Vegas, who was diagnosed with the disease in 2015, was euthanized at the UW-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, according to a release. He was escorted by UWPD officers, including his rider, Assistant Chief Kari Sasso.
The police horse assisted UWPD with crowd control at large campus events for the last 12 years. According to the release, DSLD caused pain in his hind legs and made it difficult for him to work.
Vegas was a huge part of the UWPD family, but was especially close to Sasso and her family, according to the release. Sasso thanked the community for their well wishes over the last year. Final arrangements for Vegas are not yet finalized.
