Time to Speak Up Our Military Working Dogs Deserve Justice

Military working dogs serve alongside United States service members in some of the most dangerous environments in the world. They detect explosives locate missing personnel and protect human life. These animals are not equipment. They are trained service assets and trusted partners whose performance and wellbeing directly affect mission success.

Recent investigative reporting and official findings revealed that multiple United States military working dogs died after being housed in aging and inadequate kennel facilities within the continental United States. These deaths were not the result of enemy action or unavoidable operational risk. They were the result of unsafe housing conditions insufficient maintenance, failures in environmental controls and a lack of timely corrective action.

Inspections documented unacceptable conditions including excessive heat, mold, poor ventilation, sanitation failures and inadequate veterinary and enrichment standards. These conditions persisted across multiple installations despite known risks and prior warnings.

The loss of any military working dog due to preventable neglect represents a serious failure of leadership oversight and stewardship of government resources. It also raises significant concerns regarding compliance with existing Department of Defense policies animal welfare standards and accountability mechanisms.

This matter warrants immediate Congressional oversight.

Congressional Action Requested

We respectfully request that the United States Congress initiate formal oversight hearings to determine how these failures occurred and to identify responsible parties.

Specifically we request review and hearings by the following committees

House Armed Services Committee  
Senate Armed Services Committee  
House Oversight and Accountability Committee  
Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee  

These committees should examine

The decision making processes that allowed unsafe kennel conditions to persist. 

The roles and responsibilities of command leadership and installation management.
 
Whether existing funding maintenance and inspection protocols were adequate and properly executed.
 
What corrective actions, disciplinary measures or policy reforms are necessary to prevent recurrence.  

Congressional oversight is essential to ensure transparency, accountability and systemic reform.

Call to Action

We urge concerned citizens, veterans, service members and advocates for military working dogs to take action.

Sign this petition and call upon Congress to exercise its oversight authority and hold appropriate parties accountable.