Research Guides: Military Working Dogs: A Selective Research Guide: Selected Bills, Laws, and Regulations

United States Code

10 USC 994
Veterinary care for retired military working dogs.
10 USC 2583
Transfer and adoption of military working dogs.
10 USC 2410r
Contract working dogs: requirement to transfer animals to 341st Training Squadron after service life.

Code of Federal Regulations

The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) used to contain United States Air Force Military Working Dog Program (or sentry dog, depending on the year) regulations, beginning in 1965. They were located at 32 CFR 930, et seq. In 1983, these regulations were removed as they were, "intended for internal guidance and has no applicability to the general public." (48 FR 15255). Contact a reference librarian, if you need assistance finding copies of these regulations.

House Resolution 812 (2010)

H. Res. 812: Recognizing the Significant Contributions of the Military Working Dog Program to the United States Armed Forces
This House Resolution recognizes the contributions of the military working dog program, honors active and retired military working dogs, and supports the adoption and care of retired military working dogs.

Public Laws

Public Law 105-27
This law amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to allow: "the donation of Federal law enforcement canines that are no longer needed for official purposes to individuals with experience handling canines in the performance of law enforcement duties."
Public Law 106-446
" To amend title 10, United States Code, to facilitate the adoption of retired military working dogs by law enforcement agencies, former handlers of these dogs, and other persons capable of caring for these dogs."
Public Law 112-81
Section 351 allows for a military working dog to be adopted by certain family members of a handler who is killed in action or dies from wounds received in action.
P.L. 112-239
Section 371 of this Act is entitled "Military Working Dog Matters." It allows for the transfer of retired military working dogs to the 341st Training Squadron or to another location for adoption, if no suitable adoption is available at the military facility where the dog is located. It also allows the the Secretary of Defense to create a system to provide for the veterinary care of retired (adopted) military working dogs, but prohibits federal government funding for this purpose.

Attempts to Classify Military Working Dogs as Canine Members of the Armed Forces (2012)

House of Representatives Bill 4103
This bill proposes to classify military working dogs as canine members of the Armed Forces, provides for adoption or retirement, directs the Secretary of Defense to establish and maintain a system for veterinary care for retired military dogs, requires the Secretary of Defense to recognize military working dogs that are killed in action or " perform an exceptionally meritorious or courageous act in service to the United States."
Senate Bill 2134
Senate version of H.R. 4103.

Early Attempts at Laws for Post-war Life of Military Working Dogs

H. R. 543, January 3, 1945 79th Congress, 1st Session

This bill was intended, "To provide for the gift of war dogs to the servicemen who trained them for their war tasks."

This bill proposed to add a subsection to the Surplus Property Act of 1944 to allow war dogs that have been declared as surplus to be donated to the veteran who trained them or, to other veterans.

H.R. 3687, July 5, 1945 "The Blue Cross Animal Relief War Dog Act" 79th Congress, 1st Session

This bill was intended, "To provide for the retraining and care of dogs which have served with the Army during World War II."

This bill proposed a "Commission for the Retraining and Care of War Dogs" to be composed of a commissioned officer of the Army (appointed by the Secretary of War) and two Congressmen (appointed by the President). This Commission would prepare and carry out plans for the "proper care and treatment" of WWI dogs. This would include transportation back to the United States and retraining. The Commission also was permitted to make necessary expenditures to carry out its functions. A paid employee would hand in reports that would be open to the public.

H.R. 19241, September 17, 1970 91st Congress, 2nd Session

This bill was intended, "To provide for the humane disposition of military dogs."

This bill proposed that when military dogs were no longer needed or suitable for service outside of the United States, and was reasonably healthy, that they should be returned to the United States for retraining for military/law enforcement assignments or housed by a "suitable humane organization." These humane organizations were not barred from retraining these dogs for civilian life.