Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act

In March, I first posted asking for readers to support the Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act (S. 2134).

Well, the wheels of the government indeed turn slowly. The ASPCA's Advocacy Center now has a form you can fill out in order to ask your senator to support the bill, which is a nice easy way to do it if you haven't done so yet.

Apparently, according to GovTrack.us there is also HR 4103 Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act, the summary of which reads:

Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to classify military working dogs as canine members of the Armed Forces. Requires that such dogs no longer be classified as equipment. Provides that if a dog should be retired, and no suitable adoption is available at the military facility where the dog is located, the dog may transfered to the 341st Training Squadron or to another location for adoption. Authorizes the acceptance of the donation of frequent traveler miles to facilitate the adoption of a dog. Directs the Secretary to establish and maintain a system to provide for the lifetime veterinary care of retired, adopted dogs. Requires such care to meet standards that the Secretary shall establish and periodically update. Provides for coverage of veterinary costs. Directs the Secretary to create a decoration or other appropriate recognition to recognize dogs that are killed in action or perform an exceptionally meritorious or courageous act in service to the United States.

HR 4103 is a step further along than S 2134, in that it has been both Introduced and also referred to Committee. The GovTrack page also says that the bill has a 4% chance of passing, which is kind of discouraging. It also has 15 co-sponsors, both Democrats and Republicans, so that's hopeful. This seemed like an appropriate topic for Memorial Day. Military Working Dogs deserve to be remembered for their accomplishments and duties carried out.