Tag Archives | military

Animal Troops Honorably Discharged

April 22, 2013

(MILITARY ANIMALS) Thousands of goats, pigs, and other animals have died in military training exercises over the years, spurring debate between animal rights activists and the Pentagon. While the military claims that this type of training saves lives, activists say that simulators would be a more effective method. Fortunately, animal advocates scored a win this month after the Army announced it will prevent non-medical soldiers from participating in trauma training using live animals, and instead, personnel will use training mannequins, actors, and virtual simulators. Read on to learn more about the decades-long debate and what this decision means for the future. — Global Animal

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Four-Legged Friends Lend A Helping Paw After Boston Tragedy

April 16, 2013

(SERVICE DOGS) The Boston Marathon came to a tragic end on Monday after two explosions went off near the finish line approximately four hours into the race, killing three people and injuring more than 170. Reports show that K-9s assisted officers in providing security prior to the race and in the hours following the deadly explosions, responding to calls from frightened citizens concerned about suspicious packages and scouring the city for clues to yesterday’s tragedy. Bomb-sniffing dogs are trained to recognize thousands of active ingredients and various compounds that could be used in explosives. However, details about the explosive devices used in Boston are still coming to the surface. Furry, four-legged workers are also pitching in to provide therapy for those shaken up from the bombings. Read on to learn more about the canine comfort being offered throughout the bereaved community this week. — Global Animal

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“Homeland” Creator To Military: Stop Animal Cruelty

December 11, 2012

(ANIMAL CRUELTY) Gideon Raff, creator of the popular show Homeland, joined in PETA’s campaign to end military animal abuse by penning a letter to British Secretary of State for Defense Phillip Hammond, asking that military personnel get more sophisticated training that doesn’t involve cruel and ineffectual animal training. Read on to find out why these outdated methods must be replaced, and sign the petition to ban military cruelty to animals. — Global Animal

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Senate Passes Pro-Animal Legislation

December 8, 2012

(POLITICS) Great news came from Washington this past week as the United States Senate has passed two separate provisions strengthening laws against animal fighting and increasing care for military dogs. The ASPCA, as well as animals advocates across the country, have commended the Senate for their humane acts pertaining to animal treatment. Although there is still much work to be done for animals within the government, this is certainly a positive step in the right direction. Read on to learn more about the Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act and the Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act. — Global Animal

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The Life Of A Military Dog As “Excess Equipment”

December 6, 2012

(WORKING DOGS) While military dogs are still classified as “equipment,” Duke University student Anthony Russo emphasizes the need for the Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act (H.R. 4103, S. 2134). With this new legislation, these working dogs will be classified as ‘Canine Members of the Armed Services,’ and they would also be guaranteed transportation home from overseas missions as well as a lifetime of veterinary care. Russo rightfully poses the question: “If we are bold enough to integrate canines into the military, shouldn’t we also be compassionate enough to reward these valiant heroes by affording them the same love and care that we do our own pets?” Read on to learn more about the proposed bill and sign the petition telling Congress to support H.R 4103.  — Global Animal

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Navy Lays Off Dolphins, Replaces With Robots

December 5, 2012

(DOLPHINS) SAN DIEGO — Since 1960, the U.S. Navy has been training bottle-nosed dolphins for mine detection.  In an effort to keep our ports safe, dolphins are taught to locate underwater mines so humans can retrieve them.  The mammals have been deployed in the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War, as well as the Iraq War. However, it looks as though these dolphins may soon enjoy early retirements. With advancements in technology, the Navy plans to gradually phase out these dolphins and, for the next five years, replace them with 12-foot torpedo-shaped robots, or sea drones—unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). Read on to learn more about the government’s decision. — Global Animal

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A Salute To War Vets and Service Pets (PHOTOS)

November 12, 2012

(SERVICE DOGS) As we take this day to commemorate our honored vets, we should also take a moment to thank the service dogs who aid these respected men and women. While many U.S. veterans struggle with invisible wounds such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, some of them are able to find peace from their four-legged friends. For instance, one organization, Operation Freedom Paws, a nonprofit in Gilroy, California, is working to help veterans in need train their own service dogs. The VA has been studying the effectiveness of canine therapy for troops suffering from PTSD, however it was recently placed on hold in order to rewrite the study’s parameters to take into account the dogs’ temperaments and the importance of matching the trainers with the patients—not just the dogs. Read on to learn more about the organization’s efforts as well as the benefits of dog interaction. — Global Animal

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Beagle Reunited With Soldier

November 12, 2012

(ANIMAL VIDEO) Daisy the beagle can barely control her excitement to see her mom, Amanda, come back safe and sound from Afghanistan! Amanda’s husband wrote, ”I filmed this when my wife came back from a 6 month deployment last fall. Our beagle was still a puppy when she left, and was full grown dog by the time she came back.” We love happy reunions! — Global Animal

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