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S 2134 112th Congress Senate Armed Forces and National Security Animal protection and human-animal relationships Aviation and airports Mammals Military operations and strategy Military personnel and dependents Military procurement, research, weapons development Service animals Transportation costs Veterinary medicine and animal diseases

Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act

Introduced: February 27, 2012 Introduced by: Blumenthal, Richard Democratic · Connecticut See on congress.gov
 Everywhere this bill has been 2 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Feb 27, 2012
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
Feb 27, 2012
Introduced in Senate
 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

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 transferred 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 the Secretary to administer the system under a contract awarded by the Secretary to a private non-profit entity. Requires such care to meet standards that the Secretary shall establish and periodically update. Requires any costs of the operation and administration of the system and of any veterinary care provided under the system to be covered by such combination of the following as the Secretary and the non-profit entity jointly consider appropriate: (1) contributions from the non-profit entity, (2) payments for such care by owners or guardians of such dogs, and (3) other appropriate non-federal sources of funds. Prohibits the use of federal funds to provide care or operate the system, except for funds used to establish or administer the system, establish standards of care, or prescribe related regulations.

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.

What's happening now February 27, 2012

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

 Committees of jurisdiction 1