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United States Military Working Dogs: A Research

Guide
Stefanie S. Pearlman
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, [email protected]

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United States Military Working Dogs:

A Research Guide

Stefanie Pearlman
Professor of Law Library & Reference Librarian
Schmid Law Library
University of Nebraska
College of Law

January 2018

This information is also available at:
http://schmidguides.unl.edu/militaryworkingdogs



Table of Contents

Introduction 3
Books: Where to Start 4
Books: Training Military Working Dogs 6
Books: World War II 7
Books: Vietnam 9
Books: Specific Military Working Dogs & Mascots 11
Books: Miscellaneous 13
Military Resources 14
Legal Articles 20
Red Cross Articles 21
Medical Articles 22
Master’s Theses 23
United States Code 24
Public Laws 25
House Bills and Resolutions 26
Code of Federal Regulations 28
Government Websites 29
Non-government Websites 31

2
 Introduction

This research guide is a selective bibliography of resources discussing United States
military working dogs and mascots. It is intended to help researchers find relevant
books, articles, military publications, Web sites, and other resources about military
working dogs. It also contains references to bills and laws designed to provide for
the retirement, medical care, and adoption of military working dogs once their
service is complete.

This guide is dedicated to military working dogs and their handlers.

3
 Books: Where to Start?

Cry Havoc: The History of War Dogs by Nigel Allsopp
ISBN:9781742570969
Publication Date: 2011
This book begins with a history of military working dogs,
including breeds used. It also contains a list of memorials
commemorating military working dogs. The book then discusses
the use of military working dogs by geographic region. Also
included: photographs of handlers and military working dogs
around the world.

Dogs and National Defense by Anna M. Waller, Contracting
Officer, Office of the Quartermaster General, for the Purchase of
Horses, Mules and Dogs
Publication Date: 1958
This book is a history of the use of dogs by the Office of the
Quartermaster General. It provides numbers of dogs used, types
of dogs used, procurement of dogs, and training. Also included: a
list of members of the board of trustees for Dogs for Defense, Inc.,
a list of regional directors for Dogs for Defense, Inc., and a short
bibliography.

The Dogs of War by Lisa Rogak ISBN:9781250009463
Publication Date: 2011-10-25
This book is an excellent place to start military working dog
research. It contains stories of specific dogs interspersed with
chapters that discuss topics, including: the history of military
working dogs, the roles they play, training, gear used, veterinary
care, life in combat zones, and post-military life. Also included:
photographs of MWDs and their handlers.

The Quiet Americans: a History of Military Working Dogs by
Tracy L. Tracy L. English ISBN: 1499198361
Publication Date: 2014-04-20
This short book provides a summary of the use of military
working dogs in the United States. Also included: photographs,
ads for military working dogs, and the image of the 341st military
working dog training squadron.

4

Soldier Dogs by Maria Goodavage ISBN: 9780525952787
Publication Date: 2012-03-15
The author begins by discussing stories of dogs and their handlers.
She also discusses the tattoing process, special ops dogs, shopping
for dogs in Europe, training, jobs of military working dog, their
sense of smell, and the post-duty life of military working dogs.
Also included: photographs of mwds and handlers.

War Dogs by Michael Lemish ISBN: 9781574880175
Publication Date: 1996-01-01
This is a well-written history of American military working dogs.
Also included: photographs.

War Dogs: A history of loyalty and heroism by Michael G.
Lemish ISBN: 9781574882162
Publication Date: 2008
This detailed book focuses on military working dogs in World War
II, Korea, and Vietnam. It is an excellent place to begin research in
this area. The author served as the official historian for the
Vietnam Dog Handlers Association. Also included: photographs, a
copy of an after-action report, and a sample World War II Canine
Discharge Certificate.

5

Books: Training Military Working Dogs

Navy Seal Dogs: My Tale of Training Canines for Combat by
Mike Ritland ISBN: 9781250041821
Publication Date: 2013
The author focuses on his work training dogs for special
operations forces teams in the military. He discusses the stories of
several handlers and their canine partners. Also included:
photographs of military working dogs and their handlers.

U. S. Military Working Dog Training Handbook by Department
of Defense; Department of Defense Staff ISBN: 9780762780327
Publication Date: 2012-10-30
This book by the Department of Defense contains thorough
information on training military working dogs, including:
behavior modification, legal aspects in detector dog use, kennel
facilities, safety, and even administrative record keeping. Chapter
7 is "The Military Working Dog Program."

The War Animals by Robert E. Lubow ISBN: 0385114583
Publication Date: 1977
This book is written from a scientific standpoint. It discusses the
manner in which animals were trained to aid in military
operations. Chapters discuss the use of dogs to stalk intruders,
detect mines and tunnels, detect drugs, and for body recovery.

6

Books: World War II

Always Faithful: A memoir of the marine dogs of WWII by
Captain William W. Putney ISBN: 0743201981
Publication Date: 2001
The author of this book was the Commanding Officer of the 3rd
War Dog Platoon. He became the chief veterinarian of the War
Dog Training School in Camp Lejeune. This book discusses the
journey of marine dogs from training to the Battle of Guam and
back to the U.S. It also discusses the creation of a detraining
program for all marine war dogs, so they could return to civilian
life. Also included: photographs, a copy of a clipping of an article
from the author’s hometown paper, and copies of documents from
the war dog training school.

Diary of a War Dog Platoon by Wiley S. Isom
Publication Date: 1997
This book was authored by the Commander of the 45th Infantry
Scout Dog Platoon. He used the daily reports of members of his
platoon as primary source material for the book. Also included: a
map of Okinawa, copies of orders, the text of newspaper articles, a
copy of the instrument of surrender by Japan, a Fort Robinson
chronology, and many photographs.

Dogs At War by Clayton G. Going
Publication Date: 1944
This book, written during World War II, provides a history of how
dogs became involved in the war, how they were trained, and
stories about specific dogs. Note that this book contains
derogatory terms towards enemy soldiers. Also included:
photographs of soldiers and military working dogs.

7
 Dogs for Defense: American Dogs in the Second World War
1941-1945 by Fairfax Downey
Publication Date: 1955
This book was written by the organization that initiated the war
dog program in the United States. It includes a history of Dogs for
Defense, a list of breeds accepted into the program, the training
process, stories of specific dogs, and a discussion of dogs used for
convalescing soldiers. Also included: photographs, Certificate of
Incorporation, Constitution, and Bylaws of Dogs for Defense, Inc.,
a bibliography, lists of officers, board of trustees, regional
directors, and volunteers, copies of relevant letters, specifications
for sentry dogs, enlistment application, a training pamphlet,
cartoons, and copies of news articles.

Dogs for Democracy: The Story of America’s Canine Heroes in
the Global War by Thomas Yoseloff
Publication Date: 1944
This slim volume provides a brief history and description of the
dogs used in World War II. It reads like a recruitment brochure.
Also included: photographs and a copy of a certificate from the
War Department given to owners of dogs accepted for the armed
services.

8

Books: Vietnam

A Soldier's Best Friend by John C. Burnam ISBN: 078671137X
Publication Date: 2003-02-10
In this book, the author discusses his service and observations as
a dog handler in Vietnam. Also included: photographs, a glossary,
a discussion of Staff Sergeant Robert W. Hartsock, the only war
dog handler to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor during
Vietnam, a list of war dogs and war dog handlers killed in action.

Air Base Defense in the Republic of Vietnam 1961-1973 by
Roger P. Fox
Publication Date: 1979
Only a small portion of this book (pages 100-104) discuss the use
of sentry dogs. There are two photographs included in this
section.

Dog Tags of Courage by John C. Burnam ISBN: 1882897420
Publication Date: 2000-01-01
In this book, the author discusses his service and observations as
a dog handler in Vietnam. Also included: a map of the primary
areas where the author was stationed, photographs, a discussion
of Staff Sergeant Robert W. Hartsock, the only war dog handler to
receive the Congressional Medal of Honor during Vietnam, a list of
war dogs and war dog handlers killed in action, and a glossary.

Forever Forward by Mike Lemish ISBN: 9780764333453
Publication Date: 2010-02-18
This book discusses the use of dog teams in Vietnam. In the final
chapter, there is an excellent discussion of the events taking place
after the war ended, including the formation of the Vietnam Dog
Handler Association, memorial projects, and the laws discussing
the disposition of military working dogs. Also included:
photographs, a map, a list of handlers killed in action, and a list of
dogs killed in action.

9
 The History of the United States Army Veterinary Corps in
Vietnam 1962-1973 by William H. H. Clark
Publication Date: 1991
A very detailed account of the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps
assistance in Vietnam. Also included: photographs, maps,
statistics, names of veterinary service unit commanders & senior
staff officers, and veterinary corps officers serving in Vietnam

K-9 Soldiers by Paul B. Morgan ISBN: 9781555714956
Publication Date: 2004-01-01
The author discusses his interaction with dogs throughout his
working life-from military training to post-military life. Also
included: photographs.

War Dogs: America's Forgotten Heroes by Narrated by Martin
Sheen
Publication Date: 1999
This 70 minute VHS video includes many interviews with Vietnam
dog handlers. They discuss the bond they had with their dogs and
the tragedy of having to leave their dogs behind.

10

Books: Specific Military Working Dogs & Mascots

Beyond the Call of Duty: Heart-warming Stories of Canine
Devotion and Wartime Bravery by Isabel George ISBN:
0007371519
Publication Date: 2010
This book discusses five dogs. Two of those dogs accompanied
American soldiers: Smoky and Sergeant Stubby. Also included: a
short bibliography and photographs.

From Stray Dog to World War I Hero by Grant Hayter-Menzies;
Pen Farthing (Foreword by); Paul E. Funk (Introduction by) ISBN:
9781612347219
Publication Date: 2015-11-01
This book discusses Rags, a military mascot from World War I.
Also included: photographs and a bibliography.

Rags: The Story of a Dog Who Went to War by Jack Rohan
Publication Date: 1930
This book tells the story of Rags from his discovery by an
American soldier in Paris to his work as a messenger during the
war to his post-war life. Also included: photographs.

Rin Tin Tin: The Life and the Legend by Susan Orlean ISBN:
9781439190142
Publication Date: 2011
Most of this book focuses on Rin Tin Tin’s movie career, but the
chapter “Foundlings” discusses his birth on a battlefield in France
and other dogs in WWI. Also included: photographs and a selected
list of sources.

11
 Sergeant Rex: The Unbreakable Bond Between a Marine and
His Military Working Dog by Mike Dowling and Damien Lewis
ISBN: 9781451635966
Publication Date: 2011
This autobiography details the author's experience as a military
working dog handler in Iraq with his dog, Rex. As a result, there
are many details about the use of military working dogs in combat.
Also included: photographs and a list of marine corps MWD
handlers and their dogs that were deployed to Iraq between
March and September 2004.

Sergeant Stubby: How a Stray Dog and His Best Friend Helped
Win World War I and Stole the Heart of a Nation by Ann
Bausum ISBN: 9781426213106
Publication Date: 2014
This is the story of Stubby and his human friend, James Robert
Conroy, in WWI. The author takes readers through Stubby’s life
from the athletic fields of Yale to mascot in the 102nd Infantry,
26th Division to his preservation in the Smithsonian. Also
included: photographs, an annotated list of medals and
decorations on Stubby’s uniform, a timeline, and a bibliography.

12
 Books: Miscellaneous
Dogs of War by John M. Behan
Publication Date: 1946
This book contains extended quotes from soldiers discussing their
experiences and observations of war dogs. There is also a brief
section on training. The majority of the book, however, is
comprised of photographs of war dogs and soldiers.

Fort Robinson and the American Century: 1900-
1948 by Thomas R. Buecker ISBN: 0806136464
Publication Date: 2002
Chapter 5 of this book is a detailed history of war dog training in
Fort Robinson, Nebraska. Fort Robinson was one of the two War
Dog Reception and Training Centers in the United States in the
early 1940’s. Also included: lists of monthly dog strength and dogs
received, issued, and returned to owners.

Trident K9 Warriors by Michael Ritland and Gary Brozek ISBN:
9781250024978
Publication Date: 2013
This book discusses military working dogs, their handlers,
training, and missions. There is also a brief section on the history
of dogs in the military. Author Ritland is a former member of SEAL
Team 3, a trainer of working and protection dogs, and the founder
of the Warrior Dog Foundation. Also included: photographs of the
author, military working dogs, soldiers, and training.

13
 Military Resources

Basic Field Manual: Dog team transportation (FM 25-6).
Prepared under direction of the Chief of Infantry
Publication Date: 1941
This field manual begins with a chapter on sled dogs. This chapter
discusses: messenger and courier dogs, when dogs should be used,
the types of dogs used, ages of dogs used (training beginning at 6-
8 months, hard work beginning no earlier than 16 months, and
service ending at about 9 years of age), and hitches. Other
chapters include: “Equipment,” Kennel Management,” “Field
Management,” “Physiology and Hygiene,” “Transportation of Dog
Teams,” and “Loads and Loading.” Also included: tables,
illustrations, and photographs.

Technical Manual: War dogs (TM 10-396) by War Department,
Washington, D.C.
Publication Date: 1943
This manual from the War Department charges the Quartermaster
General with the responsibility for all aspects of war dogs and
personnel involved with war dogs. It discusses the care of military
dogs, basic training, specialized training, and also a brief history of
the use of military dogs. Also included: a training plan and a
bibliography.

USAF Sentry Dog Program (AF Manual 125-5) by Department
of the Air Force
Publication Date: November 1967, amended February 1968
This manual was designed to train handlers and supervisors in
the use of sentry dogs. It includes sections on history, personnel,
procurement and training of dogs, equipment, health and care of
sentry dogs, and records maintenance. The manual contains
photographs of techniques, training, and equipment. It also has
drawings of the anatomy of dogs,an off limits sign, and the life
cycles of hookworms, heart worms, and tapeworms. The manual
also provides sample records.

14
 Conference on Research to Expand the Usefulness of the
Military Working Dog by Air Force Office of Scientific Research
ISBN: AFOSR: 70-2368TR
Publication Date: 1970
This resource contains a foreword, introductory remarks and ten
papers presented at a conference held in 1970. The foreword
provides a number of interesting facts, including: German
Shepards were considered the most suitable dogs for service, over
10,000 dogs were in service with the Department of Defense, with
2,000 being replaced each year, and the general public provided
these dogs to the Air Force. The papers presented discuss various
topics, such as: recruitment, training, and veterinary aspects. Also
included: charts, photographs, some illustrations, and a list of
attendees.

Selection of Dogs for Land Mine and Booby Trap Detection
Training, Volume I, Final Technical Report by Daniel S. Mitchell
Publication Date: September 1976
"It is imperative that all dogs considered for enrollment in a land
mine/booby trap detection training program be submitted to a
thorough screening process prior to acceptance. Only those
animals which meet the criteria herein specified are selected for
formal training. Numerous physical and behavioral dimensions
must be weighed during the course of selection, and,
unfortunately, many aspects of the decision-making process
remain largely subjective in nature." Quotation from abstract.

Training and Employment of Land Mine and Booby Trap
Detector Dogs, Volume II, Final Technical Report by Daniel S.
Mitchell
Publication Date: September 1976
"The present document is intended as a procedures manual and
reference text to be used during the training of initially naive
canines for land mine and booby trap detection service."
Quotation from abstract. Also included: photographs, charts, and
other figures.

15
 User's Guide: Land Mine and Booby Trap Detector Dogs,
Volume III, Final Technical Report by Daniel S. Mitchell
Publication Date: September 1976
"Its purpose is to provide a 'field-portable' summary of the
important procedures and considerations involved in the
deployment of land mine/booby trap detector dogs." Quotation
from abstract. Also included are photographs, illustrations, and
other figures.

USAF Military Working Dog (MWD) Program, AF Regulation
125-5
Publication Date: October 24, 1980
"This regulation gives the policies, procedures, and standards for
setting up and maintaining the USAF MWD program." Quotation
from title page. Although not visible in the copy reviewed, the
table of contents indicates that additional materials are included
in this regulation. These include an obedience course obstacles
attachment and several figures, such as: sit position, fitting the
muzzle, and dog returning to handler after search.

Military Police Working Dogs (FM 19-35) ISBN: 0873645383
Publication Date: 1989
This manual discusses patrol dogs, sentry dogs, and narcotics
detector dogs. It contains practical information on each type of
working dog, including: how to use the dogs, characteristics of the
dogs, and training considerations. It also contains a chapter on in-
service evaluation procedures and a chapter on records and forms.
Also included: instructions on how to complete DA Form 2807-R
and DA Form 3992-R and photographs.

The Role of Military Working Dogs in Low Intensity Conflict
(AD-A224 049) by LTC William H. Thornton
Publication Date: February 1990
This is a CLIC paper (a publication sponsored by the Army-Air
Force Center for Low Intensity Conflict). It provides a brief history
of military working dogs and discusses their future potential in
low intensity conflict.

16
 Military Working Dogs (FM 3-19.17)
Publication Date: July 2005
"This FM addresses the current capabilities of the Military Police
Working Dog Program as well as the potential for future
applications." Quotation from preface. Also included: photographs,
charts, and other figures.

Veterinary Health Services: Army Regulation 40-905
Publication Date: August 29, 2006
"This regulation prescribes policies, responsibilities, and
procedures for the provision of veterinary health services."
Quotation from page 1. Also included: management control
evaluation checklist, tables, and a glossary.

A Review of U.S. Customs and Border Protection's
Procurement of Untrained Canines by Department of
Homeland Security Office of Inspector General ISBN: OIG-08-46
Publication Date: April 2008
This report was prepared at the request of members of the U.S.
House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security. The
Office of the Inspector General reviewed the procurement of
untrained canines and made recommendations in this report. Also
includes: the methodology used, management comments to the
draft report and major contributors to the report.

Commander's Guide to MWDs Handbook by Center for Army
Lessons Learned
Publication Date: 2009
"This handbook describes the types of MWDs that are currently
available for tactical use; offers some tactics, techniques, and
procedures for their use in common tactical missions; lays out
many issues for the tactical commander to consider in the use of
MWD teams; and suggests logistic support required for MWD
use." Quotation from pages 1-2. Also included: photographs,
charts, a checklist, and request forms.

17
 DOD Military Working Dog (MWD) Program, Air Force
Instruction 23-126, Army Regulation 700-81, OPNAVINST
5585.3A, MCO 10570.1A
Publication Date: December 13, 2011
This Inter-Service, Multi-Service Instruction establishes
procedures governing the logistics aspects of the Department of
Defense Military Working Dog Program. "It assigns
responsibilities for budgeting, funding, accounting, procuring,
distributing, redistributing and reporting of dogs and procedures
to follow in submitting dog requirements and requisitions."
Quotation from page 1. Also included: glossary, sample kennel
master memorandum, military working dog adoption suitability
checklist, protocol for bite muzzle testing, bite muzzle test a
ssessment form, disposition checklist, covenants not to sue, and
an adoption application.

Military Working Dogs: Army Regulation 190-12
Publication Date: March 11, 2013
"This regulation establishes responsibilities, policies, and
procedures for the direction, management, and control of the
Army Military Working Dog Program, including the assignment
and functions of military working dog teams. It prescribes the
standards for selection and retention of handlers and military
working dogs, training and employment of working dog teams,
and use of force." Quotation from page i. Also included:
instructions for filling out DA forms, disposition instructions for
military working dogs, certification information, internal control
evaluation checklist, and a glossary.

18
 Air Force Instruction 31-121
Publication Date: October 17, 2012, incorporating Change 1 March
31, 2015
"This instruction prescribes responsibilities, policies, and
procedures for the direction, management, and control of the AF
MWD Program. It explains how MWDTs are used in non–combat
and combat support missions including area security, law
enforcement, and antiterrorism, to include narcotics and
explosive detection." Quotation from page 6. Also included: a
glossary, a sample civilian support release and reimbursement
agreement, a list of European Union countries, and a list of
favorable countries listed in Annex 2, Part C.

19
 Legal Articles

Cruse, Sarah D., "Military Working Dogs: Classification and
Treatment in the U.S. Armed Forces," 21 Animal Law 249 (2014-
2015).

Kirchmaier, Maj. Charles, T., "Unleashing the Dogs of War: Using
Military Working Dogs to Apprehend Enemy Combatants," The
Army Lawyer 1 (October 2006).

Kranzler, Michael J., "Don't Let Slip the Dogs of War: An Argument
for Reclassifying Military Working Dogs as 'Canine Members of
the Armed Forces,'" 4 U. Miami Nat'l Security & Armed Conflict
L. Rev. 268 (2013).

Pannella, DanaMarie, "Animals are Property: The Violation of
Soldiers' Rights to Strays in Iraq," 43 Case W. Res. J. Int'l L. 513
(2010-2011).

20

Red Cross Articles

Givenwilson, Irene M. "Man's Loyal Friend, the Dog, in Time of
War," The Red Cross Courier(February 16, 1925) 16-18.

Hendrick, Ellwood. "Merciful Dogs of War," The Red Cross
Magazine (February 1917) 70-75.

21

Medical Articles

Baker, Maj. Janice L., et al. "Overview of Combat Trauma in
Military Working Dogs in Iraq and Afghanistan," The Army
Medical Department Journal (January-March 2009) 33-37.

Evans, Rebecca I., et al. "Causes for Discharge of Military Working
Dogs from Service: 268 cases (2000-2004)," JAVMA 231 (October
15, 2007) 1215-1220.

Hayes, Howard M., et al. "U.S. Military Working Dogs with Vietnam
Service: Definition and Characteristics of the Cohort," Military
Medicine (November 1994) 669-675.

Haverbeke, A., et al. "Training Methods of Military Dog Handlers
and Their Effects on the Team's Performances," Applied Animal
Behaviour Science 113 (2008) 110-122.

Moore, George E., et al. "Causes of Death or Reasons for
Euthanasia in Military Working Dogs: 927 cases (1993-
1996)," JAVMA 219 (July 15, 2001) 209-214.

Rooney, Nicola, et al. "A Practitioner's Guide to Working Dog
Welfare," Journal of Veterinary Behavior 4 (2009) 127-134.

Royal, Joseph, DVM and Charles L. Taylor, MD. "Planning and
Operational Considerations for Units Utilizing Military Working
Dogs," Journal of Special Operations Medicine 9 (Winter 2009)
5-9.

Toffoli, Maj. Caroline A., et al. "Challenges to Military Working Dog
Management and Care in the Kuwait Theater of
Operation," Military Medicine 171 (October 2006) 1002-1005.

Vogelsang, Robert. "Care of the Military Working dog by Medical
Providers," Journal of Special Operations Medicine 7 (Spring
2007) 33-46.

22
 Master’s Theses

A Centralized Source of Information for the Military Working
Dog Program by Major Denzil F. Frost
Publication Date: 1990
"The purpose of this study is to identify and describe sources of
information and to collect available information on the working
dog industry that may prove to be useful in designing a successful
working dog program..." Quotation from page 3.

The Contributions of the American Military Working Dog in
Vietnam by Lieutenant Commander Mary Kathleen Murray
Publication Date: 1998
"The purpose of this thesis is to examine the history of the MWD
teams in Vietnam to determine the significance of their
contributions to the conflict. It is hypothesized that
environmental and human-driven factors detracted from the
effectiveness of the MWD teams." Quotation from page 2.

Ground Dog Day: Lessons Don't Have to be Relearned in the
Use of Dogs in Combat by Michael L. Hammerstrom
Publication Date: December 2005
"The purpose of this thesis is to determine whether lessons that
have been learned could be applied to the current MWD program
to enhance the effectiveness of using dogs in combat. The intent is
not to convince the reader that every lesson or particular
conclusion or recommendation presented is the final solution to
creating a “perfect” MWD program. The aim, instead, is to offer a
spectrum of options or alternative methods that may be of use to
those involved in MWD programs and to suggest areas for further
research and exploration." Quotation from page i.

23
 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.

24


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.

Public Law 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.

25
 House Bills & Resolutions

H. R. 543
79th Congress
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
79th Congress
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
91st Congress
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.

26
 H. Res. 812
111th Congress
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.

H.R. 4103
112th Congress
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."

27


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.

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 Government Websites

Army Military Working Dog Handler
https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/browse-career-and-job-
categories/legal-and-law-enforcement/military-working-dog-handler.html
This U.S. Army Web page assists those looking for a career or job
as an army military working dog handler.

Department of Defense Military Working Dog Veterinary
Service
https://phc.amedd.army.mil/topics/animed/mwd/Pages/Dog-Services.aspx
"The Department of Defense Military Working Dog Veterinary
Service (DoDMWDVS) is a subordinate unit under the U.S. Army
Public Health Command that is responsible for comprehensive
veterinary care for all military working dogs (MWD) at the DOD
Dog Center at Lackland Air Force Base (AFB), Texas, as well as
providing referral services to working dogs world-wide.
Additionally, the DODAWDVS provides care for Transportation
Security Administration (TSA) dogs undergoing training as part of
the National Explosives Detection Canine Team Program, also
located at Lackland AFB." Quotation from Director's Message page
as it appears on 8/10/16.

Department of Defense: Military Working Dogs via Internet
Archives
https://web.archive.org/web/20140414041825/http://www.defense.gov/h
ome/features/2006/Working-Dogs/index.html
Although this information is no longer active on the DoD Website,
this link will lead viewers to the material archived on Internet
Archive's Wayback Machine.

Fact Sheet about 341st Training Squadron
http://www.37trw.af.mil/About/Fact-
Sheets/Display/Article/670140/341st-training-squadron/
This fact sheet provides the mission statement, vision, lineage,
demographics and point of contact for the 341st training
squadron at Lackland AFB.

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 Homeland Security: Explosive Detection Dog Teams
https://www.dhs.gov/explosive-detection-canine-teams
This page on the official site of the Department of Homeland
Security briefly discusses explosive detection dog teams. It
includes a section on strategic and preventative tactics and a
section on history and training.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection: Canine Program
https://www.cbp.gov/border-security/along-us-borders/canine-program
This page on the official site of the Department of Homeland
Security discusses the canine program at U.S. Customs and Border
Protection. It also provides links to a canine overview, canine
disciplines, and canine center history.

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 Non-government Websites

Penn Vet Working Dog Center
http://www.vet.upenn.edu/research/centers-initiatives/penn-vet-working-
dog-center
"The Penn Vet Working Dog Center serves as a national research
and development center for detection dogs." Quotation from the
first paragraph of this page as it appears on June 15, 2017. This
Web site provides additional links to pages, including those
discussing their research, training and breeding, canine
performance medicine.

Scientific Working Group on Dog and Orthogonal Detector
Guidelines
http://swgdog.fiu.edu
"SWGDOG is a partnership of local, state, federal and international
agencies including private vendors, law enforcement and first
responders. We anticipate that establishing consensus based best
practices for the use of detection teams will provide many
benefits to local law enforcement and homeland security.
Improving the consistency and performance of deployed teams
and optimizing their combination with electronic detection
devices will improve interdiction efforts as well as courtroom
acceptance." Quotation from "About us" page as it appears on
8/10/16.

This American Life: 480 Animal Sacrifice
https://www.thisamericanlife.org/480/animal-sacrifice
In this podcast, Act One: Semper Fido, discusses the use of
military working dogs in World War II. A transcript, streaming
audio, and photographs are available.

U.S. Quartermaster Foundation
http://old.qmfound.com/War_Dogs.htm
This site contains a history of MWDs, articles, photographs and a
bibliography.

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 U.S. War Dog Association
http://www.uswardogs.org
"The United States War Dogs Association, Inc. is a nonprofit
organization of Former and Current US Military Dog Handlers and
supporting members committed to promoting the long history of
the Military Service Dogs, establishing permanent War Dog
Memorials, and educating the public about the invaluable service
of these canines to our country." Quotation from "About us" page
as it appears on June 15, 2017. This site includes: a history of
military working dogs, types of military working dogs, medical
care programs, and adoptions.

US Air Force Police Alumni Association
https://www.usafpolice.org/k-9.html
This page discusses the military working dog program. It also
contains photographs and videos.

Vietnam Dog Handler Association
http://www.vdha.us
The Vietnam Dog Handler Association has over 3,000 members.
One of their original goals was to, "...never give up the search to
re-unite veteran war dog handlers and honor the memory of their
war dog partners." Quotation from the "About us" page as it
appears on June 15, 2017. This Web site also contains a vast
amount of information, including a list of war dogs and their
dispositions, a list of war dog units, a memorial locator, and links
to other sites.

War Dogs Reference Bibliography (U. S. Quartermaster
Foundation)
https://www.qmfound.com/article/war-dogs-reference-bibliography/
"A resource page for books, magazine and newspaper articles on
military dogs."

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