A POLICE HORSE that died after being hit by a truck while on duty, was comforted by her rider and partner in her final moments.

Charlotte with Officer D. Herrejon. This picture was taken 2 December, 2015. Source: Houston Police Department via Facebook

The six-year-old horse, Charlotte, died in Houston, Texas after she was spooked and ran onto a street where she was hit.

Officer D. Herrejon rushed to her side and stayed with Charlotte until she died.

The photo of her rider lying by her side while she passed away has gone viral since being shared on Facebook by an animal rescue organisation.

Houston Police Department posted a message on its Facebook page after the incident saying that the driver of the truck was not believed to be at fault. It stated:

She loved her job and was always ready to go to work putting bad guys in jail or giving nuzzles to children. She served the citizens of Houston for 4 years.She will be missed.

Source: Houston Police Department via Facebook

The Animal Justice League wrote on its Facebook page, “We admire the heart and strength of this officer because as you know, when you lose an animal, to be with them during their last breath is a heartbreaking & tough thing to do.”

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