Yakym’s Working Dogs Legislation passes U.S. House

Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) issued the following press release after his legislation, the Working Dog Health and Welfare Act, unanimously passed the U.S. House of Representatives last evening. This legislation would require federal agencies with working dog programs to implement the recommendations from the October 2022 Government Accountability Office report to ensure adequate care for these hard-working canines. Rep. Yakym’s legislation is the House companion bill to Senator Mike Braun’s S. 2414, which passed the Senate by Unanimous Consent earlier this year: 

“The more than 5,550 working dogs across the federal government are some of law enforcement and our military’s best friends, and they are indispensable to a whole host of vital jobs our government carries out, on everything from chasing down criminals to sniffing out and intercepting deadly narcotics,” said Rep. Yakym. “I am proud to have partnered with my friend and fellow Hoosier Mike Braun and Congresswoman Dina Titus on this commonsense, bipartisan legislation to make sure these heroic canines get the proper care they deserve, and I look forward to it being signed into law soon.”

“The passage of the Working Dog Health and Welfare Act will ensure better treatment of the 5,000 working dogs within federal agencies that assist in inspections and drug-related investigations," said Rep. Titus. "In particular, the legislation will improve treatment of dogs used by government contractors by requiring regular exercise and routine veterinary care for these dogs. Dogs that help keep us safe deserve the best care possible."

“Federal working dogs, who work diligently alongside their human companions, risk their lives daily to protect Americans," said Senator Braun. "I am proud that this bipartisan legislation to ensure these animals are protected will now become my 38th public law.” 

Click HERE to watch Rep. Yakym’s remarks on the U.S. House floor in support of the Working Dog Health and Welfare Act, and HERE to read a one-pager with background and a bill summary of his legislation.