Other Crowd Control 7.4 POLICE HORSES Key Technical Features Law enforcement officers deployed on horses are commonly referred to as ‘mounted police’. Mounted police are deployed during assemblies to monitor and gather information, as well as for their deterrent effect, to disperse crowds, or to create a cordon. Horses can react unpredictably when frightened or over stimulated, which may lead to nearby protesters or bystanders being injured. Human Rights Concerns Due to the elevated position of the officer, any use of striking weapons (batons) by mounted police carries the risk of targeted individuals being struck on the head, potentially leading to serious injury or death. Certain groups may be particularly vulnerable when horses are used to disperse a crowd, particularly those with limited mobility, slow reaction times, or impaired sight (including persons with disabilities, elderly persons, children, pregnant people, for example). Statements and Standards from Human Rights Bodies ODIHR: “there is a risk of serious bodily injury or death if horses are deployed in inappropriate circumstances, while also noting that their mere presence could unnecessarily escalate tensions.” 125 Examples of Existing Controls To the best of Omega’s knowledge, there are no controls on the transfer of police horses (other than controls on animal exports). Proposed Control Training should conform with international human rights standards Trade and transfer should be controlled. Use should be in-line with international human rights standards. 125 OSCE/ODIHR, Handbook on Monitoring Freedom of Peaceful Assembly, 2nd edition, 2020, p. 72. 123