Change military policy about animals

M.A.R.S. Safe Haven was the sponsor for the Clemency for Ratchet petition. It had a huge impact on influencing the Department of Defense, and saving Ratchet's life. They have started a new petition with the goal of changing General Order-1A provision against animals. Signing this petition is a way to support our soldiers, and end unnecessary cruelty to animals. Please read this petition, and click on the link at the bottom, to go to the Care2 website and sign. As we saw in the campaign to save Ratchet, your vote truly matters!

Target:Department of Defense
Sponsored by: M.A.R.S. Safe Haven
Rescind General Order-1A provision against animals

From the war zones of Iraq and Afghanistan, we hear the heartwarming stories of Cinnamon, Lava, Charlie, Boo and Ratchet. They are the dogs of war - pets and mascots of our American soldiers who have rescued and cared for these animals trapped in the chaos of human conflict.

We also hear the tales of heartbreak. The pets and mascots of our soldiers are fugitives - victims a military order that requires the killing of animals harbored by American soldiers in combat zones. The order is shoot to kill.

General Order 1-A (GO-1A) is a set of regulations formulated by the U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) in late 2000, prohibiting the keeping of animals stating the conduct is "prejudicial to the maintenance of good order and discipline of all forces."

We strongly disagree with this provision with GO-1A, because it has been proven time and time again that the bond between humans and animals does not compromise character or morale. It enhances them.

The other provisions of GO-1A forbids alcohol in nations where its use is frowned upon; bars soldiers from entering sites of religious significance except under special order; bans drug use, pornography, and gambling; bars religious proselytizing; and criminalizes the theft or destruction of archaeological artifacts or national treasures and the taking of souvenirs. These are understandable provisions.

However, caring for an animal or pet should not be among these offenses. The military refuses to help or formally recognize the lifeline these animals give to our mentally wounded. Veterans returned from Iraq are committing suicide at twice the rate of average Americans.

The HSUS and SPCA have heard from many service members in Iraq and Afghanistan seeking intervention in the fate of their rescued animals who are in grave danger of being confiscated and killed by military authorities. Soldiers have confirmed that the there is an order to kill dogs found on American bases in Iraq. Some military units were also ordered to shoot animals on sight.

The goodhearted service members are no less culpable in the eyes of military brass; those who breach the policy on pets face the threat of serious punishment, including reduction in rank and court-martial.

Hundreds of U.S. soldiers in the Middle East have befriended animals in the war zone to help themselves cope with the hardship and terror they face every day. These dogs and cats become their lifeline - saving them from deep depression and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

The DOD's rationale behind this provision is also one of "public health concern" for which the DOD actually hired contractors to kills dogs and cats in Iraq. Perhaps a more humane approach should have been investing in the shipment and distribution of rabies vaccines rather than hiring contractors to kill animals. And, if a soldier decides to befriend a dog or cat, he or she should immediately apply for a vaccine to cement that friendship and make it a safer one.

We could minimize the risk created by shipping pets to the United States by requiring that no animals be sent from Iraq or Afghanistan unless vaccinated at least 30 days prior to entry and placed in an extended stateside quarantine for further observation.

Whatever its motivations for the confiscation and killing of animals, our government should do more to reconcile the imperatives of public health with the humane treatment of animals and the well being of its military personnel. The keeping of animals by soldiers is an American tradition, one that should be honored and celebrated. Even soldiers during the American Civil War had animal mascots.

The GO-1A is a grim "about-face."

The military needs to do whatever it necessary to encourage and sustain the morale of the men and woman in our Armed Forces. Given all that we know about the mental health benefits of keeping companion animals, why not strive for a kinder and better solution for the soldiers who risk their lives each day? But there is an even larger purpose at issue. The military%u2019s current draconian approach is inconsistent with its own actions in helping to build an animal shelter to anchor the new animal welfare organization in Iraq. By honoring our soldiers' compassionate inclinations, we can set a better example for Iraqis who, it is to be hoped, will embrace animal welfare as an important element in the reconstruction of civil society in their nation.

What You Can Do

It is time that Americans ask the Veterans Administration and the military to embrace all measures to ensure the mental health of every one of our soldiers.

Tell the Department of Defense to reverse military policy about pet keeping among U.S. troops.

Tell them that a policy that includes a vaccination campaign would not only be good for public health, but also good for soldier morale.

And, finally show a cooperative spirit with the efforts of rescue groups helping those soldiers who wish to adopt their pets and transport them back home to America for safe keeping. The benefits to the soldiers returning back from war to find their pet waiting for them are undeniably beneficial to the soldier's mental and emotional well being.

Here is a : Sample Letter to DOD

Thank you,
M.A.R.S. Safe Haven
www.mars-safehaven.net

info@mars-safehaven.net

Share your stories about soldiers and their pets at:
stories@mar-safehaven.net

Please DONATE to Operation Baghdad Pups, a program of the SPCA to help our soldiers bring their dogs and cats back to the U.S.A. www.baghdadpups.com

Saving Private Ratchet gear at: www.cafepress.com/ratchet22 All proceeds benefit the SPCA.

The people of M.A.R.S. Safe Haven, SPCA and Care2.com are dedicated to the cause of helping soldiers adopt their pets and securing safe passage for them back to the U.S., as well as efforts to rescind the current military policy towards soldiers and animals, prohibiting such actions.

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."

Sources:
http://www.spca.com/
http://www.hsus.org/

Please sign this petition to change military policy about animals