It's not only humans that are held to a high standard when it comes to performing at work. Animals such as horses and dogs are often employed for their incredible abilities – but if they aren't performing as they should be, they have to be let go.
One police horse is now looking for a new home after being 'sacked' from his job for not 'excelling'.
The horse, whose name is Tommy Tankerlsey, worked with South Yorkshire Police for four years, and was complimented on his 'impeccable manners,' but his struggle came in the important 'discipline' department.
The seven-year-old Irish gelding was regularly taken out on patrols and was very good at keeping safe in traffic, said a spokesman.
Sadly, Tommy is now looking for a new home because he needs 'further education in discipline', but he's been described as a 'beautiful' and 'gentle horse'.
He's now been put up for sale, but South Yorkshire Police is only looking for genuine offers to rehome Tommy, who has previously had surgery for a locking stifle. Police say this has had no detriment to his health or abilities.
The stifle joint allows the horse to sleep standing up, but it's not meant to lock up while the horse walks or exercises.
A South Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "He is forward going and wants to please but snaffle mouthed.
"He schools well and has jumped and completed clinics, however he needs further education in this discipline.
"Tommy is for sale through no fault of his own, but due to him not excelling as a police horse, we need to find him a new home."
Are you Tommy's new owner? Genuine inquiries can be sent to Mounted Sergeant Collette Pitcher at Collette.Pitcher@Southyorks.pnn.police.uk.
It's not the first time a service animal has been sacked from his job. In 2017, an adorable one-year-old dog failed to make the final cut at Queensland Police service in Australia because of his overly-sociable temperament.
Luckily, the friendly dog, called Gavel, was given a new job welcoming visitors to Brisbane's Government House.
Another dog was also sacked in 2019, this time from being a guide dog, because she was chasing too many squirrels. However, her calm nature made her a perfect candidate for a pilot project at Maidstone police station.
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