Congress returns from summer recess on September 8, and will soon be considering a number of issues of interest to dog owners:

House Concurrent Resolution 160 – This bill commemorates the AKC’s 125th Anniversary and honors the AKC’s service to dog owners and the general public. The bill, introduced by Congressman David Price of North Carolina, has been referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. All fanciers and breeders are encouraged to contact their congressional delegation and ask them to sign on to this resolution. Visit the U.S. House and Senate web sites to find your legislators and their contact information.

H.R. 3266 – This bill, sponsored by Rep. Ron Klein of Florida, establishes a 5-year grant program called the “Wounded Warrior K-9 Corps”. The program provides funds to organizations that will provide therapy dogs to veterans with disabilities. The bill has been referred to the House Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.

Senate Bill 1495 – This bill, sponsored by Senator Al Franken of Minnesota, also seeks to provide therapy dogs for wounded veterans. The bill seeks to establish a 3-year pilot program to study the benefits of providing therapy dogs to soldiers suffering from a physical or mental disability due to service in Iraq or Afghanistan. In addition to providing dogs to a select group of veterans, Department of Veterans Affairs will study the associated therapeutic and economic benefits resulting from the program. The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs.