Following the sale of service dogs, seven retired horses from Kazakhstan’s Border Service of the National Security Committee were auctioned on March 31. Some animals sold for up to three times their starting price.
Read also: Anxiety pills and sweet treats: Unusual gifts to Kazakhstani public servants unveiled.
Service horses in Kazakhstan are used by border guards and police, including for search operations and rapid movement across difficult terrain.
Strong demand drives up prices
The seller, Kazspecexport, an enterprise under the Ministry of Defense, listed the horses at an average starting price of about 236,000 tenge ($500) each, for a total of roughly $3,300.
However, strong public interest drove the final total to about $5,800, nearly doubling the initial value.
Aging but serviceable animals
All of the horses are about 16 years old and are described as being in normal condition.
They previously served in the East Kazakhstan, Almaty and Turkestan regions and were retired due to age and physical decline.
Service dogs also draw high bids
In addition to horses, service shepherd dogs continue to be auctioned in Kazakhstan, with the latest bidding also held March 31.
Read also: Meet the bomb-sniffing dog stealing hearts at Astana Airport.
Kursiv.media previously reported that decommissioned National Security Committee dogs sold at sharply inflated prices, with some purchased for up to 30 times their starting price.
