Robby’s Law
Robby’s Law changed it all. Even though military dogs are credited with saving 10,000 lives in the Vietnam war, they were euthanized or abandoned when they became disabled or too old for the rigors of war. … That all changed when Congress passed Robby’s Law in 2000
“Robby’s Law” (10 U.S.C. 2583 ) requires the Secretary of Defense to submit a report to Congress each year on the “disposition” of Military Working Dogs (MWD’s) — the numbers adopted, transferred to law enforcement, euthanized, or disposed of by other means.
Thanks to the help of Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky’s wonderful staff we now have a copies of the “Robby’s Law” report to Congress. showing the numbers of military working dogs adopted, transferred, and euthanized during that year.
A total of 122 dogs were euthanized in 2007, compared with 360 dogs adopted or transferred to law enforcement agencies. The report attempts to distinguish between dogs euthanized for “humane” reasons and those put down for reasons of “aggressive” temperament making them unsuitable for adoption . However, our experience suggests that the line between the two may not always be all that clear cut.
MWD’s no longer classified as equipment
On June 1, 2015 a new law was passed deeming Military Working Dogs no longer equipment. This law was petitioned and passed through with the support of:
- Representative Walter B Jones (R-NC)
- Representative Jones’ office has been contacted on this issue and they are looking into it. We will keep you up to date on any changes in the bill. Please do not contact them directly as they are doing their best to look into this situation.
- Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT)
- US War Dog Association
SAVEAVET.ORG
The below bill text for the 106th. Congress (1999-2000) is a summary of H.R. 5314.ENR.
You will see #2F, Annual Report. This report was quite a good way to see how the new program was working. A report was given to congress by the Secretary of Defense from 2001 to 2011. In 2011 it was decide to discontinue presenting the report to congress, which was a bit disappointment to many.
I will list those reports below for you viewing. You may also print them out.
Robby’s Law: Full document to read.
Dispositions to read. 2001 to 2011