MOBILE, Ala. ( WKRG ) — Three horses were removed from the lineup of the Order of Polka Dots Parade after concerns about their health, according to Mobile city officials.
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Animal control officers removed three horses from the Order of the Polka Dots parade on Thursday.
Following the Conde Cavaliers horse incident, the city implemented regulations requiring animal control officers to be on staff for the remaining parades of 2024, and city officials said ACOs decided to remove the horses.
According to the ACOs, one horse was removed due to a concern with their vision.
Another was removed due to an undisclosed reason, but officers determined that they were better off sitting out of the parade.
A third horse was taken off the route during the parade after showing signs of anxiety.
The ACOs replaced the horses with horses on the backup list. According to parade organizations, backup horses are routinely brought by contracted horse handlers.