Full Notification

The SAPD Mounted Unit announced the death of one of its most experienced horses, Zeus, a 21-year old American Quarter Horse. Zeus died today February 15th, 2017, while he was attending training with the Orange County Regional Mounted Unit in the city of Norco. At this time, cause of death is unknown.

Zeus joined the SAPD's Mounted ranks in 2007 and has participated in most of the large scale events here in Santa Ana and across the Orange County over the last ten years. Zeus was Mounted Unit’s Sergeant Kanan Blake’s horse. They were often seen patrolling the downtown streets and parks, as well as demonstrations, festivals, concerts and crime suppression details across the city and county. Zeus also had his softer side, appearing at many schools and community events over the years.

The loss of Zeus is substantial to the Mounted Unit, to be a qualified police horse takes special qualities and extensive training. They are an effective crime fighting tool in crowd situations where one horse team can replace many officers. Their mere presence can keep order amid impending disorder.