Have you seen a police horse lately? The New York Times reports that mounted patrols are on the decline nationwide, victims to budget cuts despite their popularity with the public and ability to put a cuddly, slightly archaic face on policing. “They are a valuable element to policing. The problem is I just couldn’t afford it,” the police director of Newark, N.J. told the Times.

There are fewer police horses in New York City than in the past, but they hang out in high-visibility and high-traffic areas like Times Square.

Police Departments Downsize, From 4 Legs to 2 [NY Times]
Police Horses Are Diminished in Number, but Not Presence [NY Times]

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.