According to the American Humane Association, there are roughly 2,500 dogs serving overseas in the military roles. As part of a new bill from the U.S. government, there will be a greater effort to bring home these animals at the end of their service.
When the Senate voted to approve the National Defense Authorization Act on Nov. 10, they granted the military $607 billion to spend on the defense of the country. Part of these funds will be used for the transportation costs incurred when bringing home dogs that served in military roles.
It is estimated that a military dog will save almost 200 soldiers in its career, according to the American Humane Association. However, before the new bill was passed, many of these dogs were left in the country of their service because the military could not afford the transportation costs home.
"[The bill] will ensure that our four-legged veterans will finally have their chance to come home and live a comfortable, quiet life, hopefully with a handler they deployed with or a fellow veteran," retired Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jeff DeYoung wrote in a press release.
Many are pleased with this part of the bill and hope that the returned dogs may be used to help veterans in need.