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Sample Letter to DOD
DATE
The Honorable Robert M. Gates
Secretary of Defense
1000 Defense Pentagon
Washington, DC 20301-1000
Dear Secretary Gates,
I am writing about an issue of paramount concern to the American public and international community - U.S. Central Command’s policy of confiscating and euthanizing animals taken in by soldiers, and the participation of service members in gratuitous cruelty toward animals. Both issues fall within General Order 1A (GO-1A) and have been the source of numerous complaints sent to rescue groups such as the HSUS and SPCA
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As you know, GO- 1A prohibits conduct that compromises character and morale. We consider it ironic that GO-1A includes a prohibition on the keeping of mascots and pets, because the bond between humans and animals does not compromise character or morale; rather, it enhances them. The U.S. Army’s “VetDogs” program is further evidence of this. In our view, it is the policy of confiscating and destroying unit mascots and rescued animals who have become pets, via euthanasia or gunshot, that may undermine the spirit of our fighting men and women.
The destruction of these animals betrays the humane instincts of the service members who rescued them. While conceding that soldiers have a primary duty to focus on their war zone missions, I would like to point out that our soldiers form bonds with the animals they have rescued, and take comfort in their presence. Admittedly, the circumstances in Iraq and Afghanistan are very difficult, but this does not mean that a solution is impossible. These dogs and cats become their lifeline - saving them from deep depression and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
There is a strong relationship between a standard of compassionate care for animals and the development of a civil society. Our soldiers’ good instincts may serve a broader purpose consistent with our national commitment to the building of healthy, democratic, and humane polities.
It is also the reason we now ask you to rescind GO-1A’s prohibition on keeping of animals and ask you to open the door for our soldiers to adopt their companion animals and bring them safely home.
Sincerely,
Remarks to the Daughters of the American Revolution (Washington, D.C.)
As Delivered by Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates, Washington, D.C., Friday, July 11, 2008
"...And, of course… One group leads an international effort to bring back to the United States dogs that have been adopted in theater ... and that units are loath to leave behind. It may seem a small thing, but in the midst of war, cats and dogs become part of the unit. As one soldier said, Even the gnarliest dudes turn to putty around...our dogs."
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