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Guest blog by Richard Patch, Vice President of Federal Affairs, ASPCA Government Relations.

Today I had the honor of meeting one of our nation’s four-legged heroes! I was invited to the official retirement ceremony of military working dog Rambo at the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in Havelock, North Carolina. Rambo loyally served our country, protecting human soldiers and keeping America safe, and will enjoy his well-earned retirement in the loving home of Lisa Phillips, a former soldier and founder and CEO of the Retired Military Working Dog Assistance Organization.

Rambo will have a happy ending, but his canine colleagues are not always so lucky. Despite their heroic efforts, military working dogs (MWDs) are currently classified by the U.S. Department of Defense as “equipment.” Not only does this classification trivialize their life-saving contributions, but it also makes it difficult to transport the dogs from foreign warzones back to the United States after their service is completed so they can be adopted.

The Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act, introduced in the House by U.S. Rep. Walter Jones (R-NC) and in the Senate by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), reclassifies military dogs as “canine members of the armed forces” instead of equipment. The bill also simplifies the adoption process for retired military dogs and directs the military to set up a program for retired dogs’ veterinary care, at no cost to the taxpayer. It also directs the Secretary of Defense to create a decoration or other recognition for military dogs who are killed in action or perform an exceptionally meritorious or courageous act in service to their country.

We need your help to build Senate support for the bill. For the sake of our canine heroes, please contact your U.S. senators and ask them to cosponsor S. 2134, the Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act. Like their human counterparts, MWDs deserve to be respected and cared for, both during and after their periods of service.

On behalf of Rambo and all our nation’s military canine heroes, thank you! 

Guest blog written by Deborah Dubow Press, ASPCA Regulatory Affairs Manager.

We frequently hear tragic news stories involving animals traveling in airplane cargo holds, and it’s no wonder—these animals are exposed to lots of dangers in transit. They can be left on the tarmac in the hottest summer months, transported in unsafe carriers that do not meet humane standards, or be carelessly lost in the shuffle of air cargo traffic.

Currently, the Department of Transportation (DOT) requires airlines to report the losses, injuries and deaths of pets only. Reporting requirements exclude commercial shipments of animals—like a batch of puppies heading from a breeder to a pet store. This means that there are many appalling incidents the public never hears about. 

The DOT Responds
A new rule proposed by the DOT could lead to greater transparency by airlines and help give people a clearer picture of the risks involved in transporting animals as cargo. The new rule would require airlines to report incidents involving commercially shipped cats and dogs, as well as more than double the number of airlines required to report incidents.  

While the proposed rule is better than the one in place now, it still has room for improvement. For instance, it doesn’t cover all animals transported as part of a commercial air shipment—only dogs and cats. 

Take Action!
The Department of Transportation is accepting comments until August 28. Please tell them that all animals deserve to be protected during air transport while being shipped as cargo. In your comments, please include the following:

• You support the DOT’s decision to extend coverage to all dogs and cats.
• Reporting requirements are essential to inform consumers about the risks associated with transporting animals by air, and people deserve this information so they can make informed decisions about traveling safely with their pets.
• You want the rule to extend reporting requirements to all animals shipped commercially, not just dogs and cats.

Go to regulations.gov to submit comments directly to the DOT.

Each year, thousands of beloved companions succumb to heatstroke and suffocation when left in parked cars. It happens most often when people make quick stops—the dry cleaners, the bank or the local deli. Folks, we need to be clear on this: It takes only minutes for your pet to face death—and it doesn’t have to be that hot out. On a 78-degree day, the temperature inside a parked car can reach 160 degrees. Even with the windows cracked. 

You can help save pets from dying in hot cars. Simply take the following actions: 

• Educate people. Hang this printable flyer [PDF] up in your local grocery store, veterinary hospital, animal shelter and other local businesses.
• If you see something, say something. If you see a dog alone in a vehicle, immediately call animal control or 911. Local law officials have the ability to enter vehicle and rescue the pet. Do not leave until help has arrived.
• Try to find the car’s owner. If you are out and you see a dog locked in a car, tell the nearby store manager immediately. Don't be shy.
•  And please, no matter how much your dog loves to go along when you run errands, don't take a chance. Leave her home where she is safe. 

For more information, visit our Summer Safety Tips!

We need your help. Many of you already know that puppy mill dogs endure horrible lives of suffering and neglect. But because of a loophole in the Animal Welfare Act, puppy mills that sell puppies exclusively online operate without any federal regulation at all. Dogs are suffering, and it’s time we put an end to the hidden inhumane treatment.

Please Help!
Right now we have a chance to help close this loophole forever. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is considering a rule that would regulate online puppy sellers, and we're fighting hard to make sure it's effective. But we need your help today!

Please tell the USDA to start licensing and inspecting puppy mills that sell dogs online. We have a limited time to fight for this rule.

You can also help by supporting our team's work to fight for stronger laws for animals across the country and our other life-saving efforts by making a small donation today.