News Summary
A 27-year-old man was arrested in St. Petersburg after slapping a police horse named Brooklyn while officers were on patrol. The suspect claimed he did not realize it was illegal to hit police animals. This incident underscores the importance of protecting law enforcement animals, which are respected and serve the community alongside their human counterparts. Fortunately, Brooklyn was unharmed, but authorities reiterated that acts of aggression towards police animals will not be tolerated and carry serious penalties.
St. Petersburg, Florida – A 27-year-old man from Odessa has been arrested for battery after slapping a police horse named Brooklyn during an early morning incident on December 3, 2023. The occurrence took place just before 2 a.m. at the intersection of Central Avenue and Third Street North in downtown St. Petersburg while two officers from the St. Petersburg Police Department were on patrol.
The incident involved the suspect approaching one of the police horses and swiftly slapping its rear with an open hand. After being detained, the man claimed he was unaware that it was illegal to hit the horses. Authorities reported that the suspect was unarmed and not under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the event.
The charge of battery on a police horse is categorized as a first-degree misdemeanor under Florida state law, which underscores the seriousness of attacking police animals. This legal classification aims to protect law enforcement animals from harm and ensure that they, alongside their officers, are respected in their service to the community.
Brooklyn, the involved horse, is a 1,400-pound Percheron thoroughbred cross gelding, born in 2003. He has been an integral member of the St. Petersburg Police Department’s Mounted Patrol Unit since his donation in 2009. Prior to his service in St. Petersburg, Brooklyn was utilized as a mounted patrol horse with the Boston Police Department.
Fortunately, the St. Petersburg Police Department reported that Brooklyn did not suffer any injuries as a result of the incident. In response to the event, police officials have reiterated the importance of treating police animals with respect and highlighted that any act of battery—especially those that are intentional or malicious—will carry penalties.
Chief Anthony Holloway emphasized the need for community members to acknowledge the role and safety of police animals in law enforcement. The department takes acts of aggression towards police animals very seriously, and the consequences for such actions can be significant under the law.
This incident is not isolated; a similar occurrence took place in Orlando in 2017 when a man slapped a police horse, leading to various charges, including cocaine possession. Such instances highlight a growing concern over the treatment of police animals and the need for public awareness regarding their protection under the law.
Battery on a police animal, like Brooklyn, not only endangers the animal but also disrupts the vital service these animals provide to the community. The St. Petersburg Police Department continues to advocate for the protection of police animals and to educate the public about the responsibilities associated with their safety and well-being.
As this case progresses, it serves as a reminder of the need for respect and appropriate behavior towards all forms of law enforcement, including the four-legged members who aid in maintaining public safety.
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Additional Resources
- AOL News
- Wikipedia: Police Horse
- Fox 13 News
- Google Search: Police Animal Protection Laws
- Patch
- Google Scholar: Police Animal Abuse
- Miami Herald
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police Animals
- Local 10 News
- Google News: St. Petersburg Police horses
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
