ATLANTA - The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is urging the Pentagon to let soldiers stationed in Iraq rescue pets they've befriended in the war zone.
In a letter sent to Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld last week, The HSUS asked him to halt the confiscation and euthanasia of soldiers' mascots and pets by military authorities in Iraq and Afghanistan, and to cancel a policy that prohibits service members from rescuing, caring for, and keeping animals in the war zones. The letter also requested that the Pentagon authorize the shipment home of healthy animals directly to one central location stateside, for transfer to designated friends and family members.
In the letter, Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS, states, "the policy of confiscating and destroying unit mascots and rescued animals may undermine the spirit of our fighting men and women." Pacelle criticized the inclusion of a prohibition on keeping pets in the U.S. Central Command's General Order 1A, which targets immoral conduct by service members. "The bond between humans and animals does not compromise character or morale; rather, it enhances them," he wrote.
The HSUS suggested procedures for allowing animals to enter the United States, including requirements that the animals be vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and veterinary-certified prior to transfer. The HSUS also suggested a one-pet per soldier limit.
"There is a strong relationship between a standard of compassionate care for animals and the development of a civil society," added Pacelle. "Our soldiers' good instincts may serve a broader purpose consistent with our national commitment to the building of healthy, democratic, and humane polities."
The HSUS had been encouraged by the participation of American military veterinarians in the formation of an Iraqi animal welfare society, and is pleased to host Dr. Farah Murrani at The HSUS annual Animal Care Expo this week in Atlanta.
The HSUS does not typically suggest transporting pets long distances to the United States unless absolutely necessary because of the stress of traveling, but after reviewing numerous letters of complaint and protest sent to The HSUS from deployed service members, their families, and friends, Mr. Pacelle was compelled to act.
"While conceding that soldiers have a primary duty to focus on their war zone missions, it is clear that our soldiers form bonds with the animals they have rescued, and take comfort in their presence," said Pacelle.
HSUS officials believe that the proposed solution is feasible especially since the DOD currently transports military dogs to and from the war zones and has a cadre of veterinarians on active and reserve duty. The HSUS has also offered assistance with the operation of a veterinary depot and the planning and execution of strategies for humane animal care and control in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Also in the letter, Pacelle asks the Secretary to promote a stronger program of prevention and punishment concerning cruelty to animals by service members, citing a videotaped shooting of a stray dog by American soldiers in Iraq, which was posted on the Internet.
"The actions of these soldiers comprise blatant and gratuitous cruelty to animals, unpardonable in either peace or war," Pacelle wrote.
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization with nearly nine million members and constituents. The HSUS is a mainstream voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals and equine protection, wildlife and habitat protection, animals in research and farm animals and sustainable agriculture. The HSUS protects all animals through education, investigation, litigation, legislation, advocacy, and field work. The non-profit organization is based in Washington and has field representatives across the country. On the web at www.hsus.org.
