UWPD horse, Vegas, dies

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.

How do you reduce a police force to tears? Have a beloved 11-year veteran of the force put down.? Vegas, a police horse at the UW-Madison Police Department since 2005, was euthanized Tuesday at the university's School of Veterinary Medicine after his diseased hind legs couldn't go any further.? Vegas was escorted to his final assignment by longtime rider and friend, Assistant Police Chief Kari Sasso, with the grief-stricken Sasso and Vegas passing through an honor guard comprised of practically the entire department.? Learn more about Vegas at madison.com/wsj? Photo courtesy @uwmadisonpolice? #uwmadison #police #policehorse @uwvetmed #horse #madisonwi

A photo posted by Wisconsin State Journal (@wistatejournal) on Jan 11, 2017 at 1:09pm PST

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.