ATTWOOD, VIC. — After a combined 25 years of dedicated service with Victoria Police, two beloved police horses, Tarzan and Zac, are hanging up their saddles.
Tarzan is 17hh Clydesdale x Standardbred gelding who joined Victoria Police on March 15, 2011. He has performed more than 1,500 patrols, with some of his first including the Occupy Melbourne protests in the CBD in 2011, as well as the Grocon strikes the following year.
Zac, a 750kg 17.1hh Clydesdale x Thoroughbred gelding, joined Victoria Police on January 17, 2017 and has completed around 800 patrols, including throughout the pandemic.
During one COVID protest in 2020, Zac was struck by a flagpole. Thankfully, he was not injured, and the demonstrator was charged.
Both horses turned 20 on August 1 this year and, despite routine veterinary check-ups deeming them fit and healthy, the Mounted Branch has made the difficult decision to retire them so they can enjoy their final years.
Mounted Branch Sergeant Rachel Dunkinson was partnered with Tarzan when he graduated, and together they learned the ropes of policing.
“The horses at the Mounted Branch are far more than just operational partners for us,” Sgt Dunkinson said.
“They are valued members of the force, familiar faces during public order patrols across the city and suburbs, and they become part of our lives both professionally and personally.
“The welfare of the horses is always our number one priority. Retirement decisions are really hard to make because we love working with these animals so much and have formed incredibly strong bonds with them. They’re like family.
“However, as hard as that call is to make, we need to put them first. They’ve dedicated the best years of their lives to helping us do our job, and we want to make sure their twilight years are spent happily and in good health.”
Police horses play an invaluable role in public order policing, supporting safety and crowd management at major events and protests, while also playing an important role in community engagement, land searches and ceremonial duties.
They are extensively trained to become desensitised to loud noises, flares and fireworks, enabling them to remain calm in noisy and unpredictable environments.
From horseback, Mounted Branch officers have an elevated view over crowds, allowing them to identify potential issues quickly and respond as needed.
Their role combines mobility, agility and height with a unique ability to connect with people.
Zac’s partner, Mounted Branch Leading Senior Constable Jessica Walsh, said horses are extremely intelligent and loyal animals, and that the bond they share is incredibly unique.
“They make our jobs easier and more enjoyable and, while they don’t know it, they play a key role in keeping the community safe,” LSC Walsh said.
“After such long and successful careers in the force, they deserve a very long and happy retirement.”
Tarzan and Zac’s last patrol (main video) was in the Melbourne CBD on Friday, October 16, and they will now be placed in loving homes, either with Mounted Branch members or other carers from the stables who would like to take them in.
“New horses will be trained to fill the gaps Tarzan and Zac leave behind. They’ve got very big horseshoes to fill, but we have so many great horses in the Mounted Branch who are ready and raring to take over the reins,” LSC Walsh said.
Victoria Police thanked Tarzan and Zac for their invaluable contribution to the force and for helping keep the community safe.
