Bill > HRes203

This resolution recognizes the significant historical and ongoing contributions of military animals and their handlers in serving the United States during wartime and peacetime. The resolution highlights the diverse roles of animals in military and civilian service, including their use in combat, transportation, detection, search and rescue, and law enforcement operations. It notes that throughout history, animals such as horses, pigeons, dogs, and even experimental animals like dolphins and "bomber bats" have served alongside human personnel, with notable examples including over 8,000 horses and mules killed in World War I, approximately 5,700 military working dogs serving in Afghanistan and Iraq since 2006, and currently over 3,000 military working dogs in active service. The resolution points out that while the United Kingdom has long honored animals with the PDSA Dickin Medal, the United States lacks an official recognition system for animal service. It also acknowledges the work of various organizations like the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which uses 372 search and rescue dogs, and the recent establishment of the Animals in War & Peace Medal in 2019. Ultimately, the resolution calls for recognizing and thanking service animals and their handlers, and supporting the creation of an annual process to nominate animals for Medals of Bravery and Distinguished Service.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-resolution/203/all-info