Bill Text: MI HR0311 | 2023-2024 | 102nd Legislature | Enrolled
Bill Title: A resolution to declare December 2024 as War Dogs Month in the state of Michigan.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2024-12-04 - Adopted [HR0311 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2023-HR0311-Enrolled.html
house resolution no.311
Reps. Bruck, Alexander, Bezotte, Glanville, Liberati, Martin and Rheingans offered the following resolution:
A resolution to declare December 2024 as War Dogs Month in the state of Michigan.
Whereas, Throughout the history of the United States military, from World War II to the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, military working dogs have played a crucial role in safeguarding the lives of soldiers and civilians alike, acting as sentinels, scouts, and companions on the battlefield; and
Whereas, The contributions of these courageous canines are evidenced by the numbers: during World War II, war dogs saved an estimated 15,000 lives, and in Vietnam, they were credited with saving at least 10,000 American soldiers. On approximately 87,000 missions, these dogs uncovered 2,000 tunnels and bunkers and facilitated 1,000 enemy captures and 4,000 enemy kills; and
Whereas, The impact of military working dogs has continued through subsequent conflicts. In Afghanistan, Technical Sergeant Justin Kitts and his dog Dyngo exemplified this heroism, securing the lives of 30,000 U.S., host nation, and coalition forces in 2011. This example underscores the life-saving capabilities of these dogs, whose efforts often go unrecognized, but whose presence on the battlefield and in rehabilitation centers has been invaluable; and
Whereas, The history of military working dogs reflects a troubling pattern of initial recognition, followed by a decline in support once conflicts end. Post-World War II and post-Vietnam, the U.S. military disassembled its war dog programs, despite their proven effectiveness. Tracker and scout dog units were dismantled, and the programs that once saved countless lives were forgotten, only to be revived with the onset of new conflicts decades later; and
Whereas, Following the attacks of September 11, 2001, and the commencement of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the urgent need for military working dogs reemerged. Despite their critical roles in detecting improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and patrolling dangerous terrain, the programs that supported the rapid deployment of these dogs were scaled back as the conflicts wound down. Budgetary constraints and shifting military priorities threaten the continuity and readiness of these canine units once again; and
Whereas, The Robby Law, enacted to prevent the neglect of retiring military dogs, represents a crucial step in acknowledging the sacrifices of these animals. However, the continued downsizing of dog programs signals a potential loss of valuable lessons learned from previous wars, jeopardizing future military preparedness and the safety of soldiers; and
Whereas, The dedicated handlers who served alongside these dogs have become the guardians of their legacy, preserving the memory of their contributions, building memorials, and advocating for recognition. Their institutional knowledge, combined with the stories of young soldiers expressing gratitude for the lives saved by these dogs, serves as a powerful reminder of the unique bond between handlers and their canine partners; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare December 2024 as War Dogs Month in the state of Michigan. We recognize the extraordinary service of military working dogs and their handlers, honoring their vital contributions to the safety and success of U.S. military operations across generations; and be it further
Resolved, That this legislative body calls for sustained support and investment in military working dog programs, ensuring that these invaluable assets are preserved, properly trained, and integrated into future military strategies to prevent the repetition of past mistakes and to honor the legacy of those who have already served; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be sent to military leadership, veterans' organizations, and advocacy groups to raise awareness of the importance of maintaining robust and ready military working dog programs, and to express our profound gratitude to the handlers and their canine partners who have served our nation with honor and distinction.
