The Ombudsman is investigating how the Barcelona municipal mounted police, the Guardia Urbana, manage the retirement of their horses, especially when they no longer serve on patrol.
One of these horses was Dorado, a majestic gray who served the Barcelona police for many years. In late 2007, Dorado began to show signs of illness. Veterinarians diagnosed him with osteoarthritis, meaning he could no longer work as a patrol horse. His bones weren’t strong enough for the demanding work.
At first, Dorado was temporarily given up for adoption, as the police typically do when a horse is no longer fit for service. He lived in a peaceful environment with other retired horses for a few years, enjoying his freedom.
However, in 2011, Dorado returned to the Guardia Urbana, where he had spent most of his life. After just five months back, he was euthanized, with veterinarians confirming the decision.
This led to an uproar, especially from Dorado’s adoptive parents—the veterinarians who had cared for him. They were shocked, as they had seen Dorado happy and healthy in his retirement. He had even been active enough to mate and have offspring.
As the story unfolded, these concerned veterinarians discovered something troubling: before his death, the city’s veterinarians had drawn blood from Dorado to check his genetic traits, including whether he could produce bay-colored offspring. This sparked outrage, as it appeared that his death might have been influenced by something more than just his health.
The case has raised important questions about how the police handle the treatment and retirement of their horses, and whether the animals’ well-being is always prioritized.
The Ombudsman is now investigating these practices, as many believe Dorado’s death may not have been a natural or necessary outcome.
