The monthly cost of keeping a horse for a mounted police unit is about 2,500 yuan ($408), an officer with Dalian police told China Youth Daily.

He was responding to a call by a retired policeman to publicize the cost of a mounted policewoman's unit in Dalian. The retired policeman claimed the unit was just for show.

Yu Futian, deputy leader of the mounted police division, said the mounted policewomen cannot be regarded merely as decoration or a tourist attraction as they are highly trained.

They patrol not only on horseback but also on motorcycle, Yu said.

Statistics from Dalian police show the mounted unit has carried out more than 7,000 patrols and more than 1,000 ceremonial engagements.

The unit was founded in 1994 with 18 policemen and 11 horses. Currently, it has 65 policewomen, 100 horses, and 23 motorcycles.

All the horses are retired racehorses donated by the Hong Kong Jockey Club.