[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 19 (Wednesday, February 15, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E161]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       IN SUPPORT OF THE CANINE VOLUNTEER PROTECTION ACT OF 2006

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ROB SIMMONS

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 15, 2006

  Mr. SIMMONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Canine 
Volunteer Protection Act of 2006. I do so because I am an advocate of 
protecting our service animals while they perform their duties.
  In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, there were reports of first 
responders having difficulty working with local authorities. In some 
instances their dogs were threatened and their handlers were harassed 
as these first responders bravely carried out their duties. It was 
because of these reports, Mr. Speaker, that a constituent of mine, Ms. 
Amy Stegal of Stafford Springs, CT, contacted me and asked that we 
provide protection for these invaluable canine rescuers.
  Ms. Stegal is affiliated with Connecticut Canine Search and Rescue, 
CCSAR. This important organization was incorporated in 1994 as a 
volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a professional 
team response to all emergency service agency requests for lost, 
missing or drowned persons; advancing education in search and rescue 
procedures; and offering support for families of lost and missing 
persons.
  Mr. Speaker, these dogs and their handlers heroically volunteer their 
time and expertise in times of natural disaster, yet they are not 
protected by Federal law. The Canine Volunteer Protection Act would 
give members of volunteer canine search and rescue teams, such as CCSAR 
members, the same protections current law gives other law enforcement 
animals. This includes both a monetary fine and/or imprisonment of 
those persons who willfully and maliciously harm any search and rescue 
dog.
  I urge my colleagues to support this measure to protect search and 
rescue teams as they selflessly perform their rescue missions. I thank 
Ms. Stegal of Stafford Springs for bringing this important issue to my 
attention.

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