WASHINGTON DC (September 13, 2019) — Senator Charles "Chuck" Grassley wrote to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo regarding a recent Office of Inspector General (OIG) report that found the department is failing to adequately protect US explosive-detection canines sent into service abroad through the Bureau of Diplomatic Security’s Office of Antiterrorism Assistance (DS/ATA) Explosive Detection Canine Program (EDCP), which provides specially trained dogs to foreign countries to assist in the fight against terrorism.
“The report raises concerns that the State Department has not taken adequate steps to ensure that dogs placed into service in foreign countries through this program receive adequate nutrition, living conditions, or veterinary care,” Sen Grassley wrote. “I am especially troubled by the report’s findings that some of the dogs placed in Jordan through the EDCP program have been underfed, kept in unsanitary kennels, and become infested with external parasites. Some of the dogs placed there have contracted preventable diseases and even died due to negligence and improper care.”
Sen Grassley is asking Sec Pompeo what steps the department is taking to address concerns raised in the OIG report and improve the program to better ensure the safety and health of the US service dogs. Specifically, Sen Grassley is asking for a list of partner nations that have and have not signed an agreement formalizing their responsibilities and to what degree each partner nation protects the welfare of the service dogs, as well as details regarding the vetting criteria and oversight process of the program.
“It is important for Congress to know whether the EDCP is operating effectively and efficiently and whether animals involved in the program are being treated according to the humane and ethical standards that the American people undoubtedly expect.”
Sen Grassley’s full letter to Pompeo can be found HERE.
