Federal Bills Seek to Protect Military Dogs and Racehorses
May 18, 2012
Our pets play very special roles in our lives, and their importance to us is reflected in our nation’s anti-cruelty laws and other measures enacted for the good of companion animals. But because their roles are so different, working animals (like service dogs) and animals used in entertainment (like racehorses) often are not afforded the same protections as pets. At the ASPCA, we are always working to close this gap.
You can help by urging your Congress members to cosponsor and pass the following federal bills that would extend critical protections to military dogs and racehorses:
Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act
Purpose: To classify
military working dogs as "canine members of the armed forces" instead of
"equipment," establish adoption policies for retired dogs, create a
non-profit entity to raise funds for retired dogs' veterinary care, and
to establish a formal means to honor dogs killed in action or who show
exceptional courage in the line of duty.
Why Now? Saturday, May 19 is Armed Forces Day, and Memorial Day is fast approaching—what better time to recognize all those who selflessly serve our country?
Take Action! aspca.org/militarydogs
Interstate Horseracing Improvement Act
Purpose: To prohibit the
use of performance-enhancing drugs in horse racing. These drugs enable
horses to perform beyond their physical limitations, which has resulted
in catastrophic injuries and horrific deaths.
Why Now? We are in the
middle of Triple Crown season—at no other time of year is horse racing a
hotter topic. Recent media exposés have shed light on how severe the
problem of “doping” is in horse racing. Even the trainers of recent
Derby-winning horses have histories of drug violations. Both trainers
also have horses running in the Preakness on Saturday, May 19. Enough is
enough!
Take Action! aspca.org/racehorses
Military working dogs and racehorses deserve to be treated with
kindness and respect, both during and after their periods of service. It
is up to us to be the voices for the voiceless! Please take action on
the pending bills listed above, share the links with friends, and join
the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade to be sure you always receive the latest news on ASPCA-supported, pro-animal legislation.
