Department of Defense Report Reveals Health Risks for Military Working Dogs Due to Poor Kennel Conditions

Chris Willingham, a former Marine dog handler and president of the United States War Dogs Association, expressed his shock at the findings, noting that he had not encountered such conditions during his service. "Dogs absolutely deserve the top care," he stated, emphasizing that the facilities do not meet the necessary standards.

Specific issues were reported at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and Joint Base Langley-Fort Eustis in Virginia, where inspectors discovered severe mold in the kennel buildings. While Fort Bragg leaders have prioritized addressing black mold, their focus remains on housing and dining facilities instead of the kennels. At Langley, trenches filled with standing water and canine waste were also noted, and handlers reported a lack of budget for needed facility improvements.

The report found that dogs at Joint Base San Antonio–Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, where military dogs are trained, received insufficient exercise, being walked only 10 minutes four times a week. Handlers at Lackland attempted to supplement physical activity with alternative methods like audio books and scented bubble machines due to staffing shortages. Furthermore, 22% of the 520 dogs at the facility were reported to have internal diseases, prompting the Inspector General to recommend that the Air Force reduce the dog population until adequate staffing can be secured.

The Air Force has acknowledged three dog deaths at their training facility and stated that they agree with the recommendations of the report, which includes plans for more staffing and facility upgrades.

At Camp Pendleton, California, all 17 inspected dogs were found to be sick, and handlers reported that many dogs arriving from Lackland suffered from health problems. Investigators also discovered aging facilities at Pendleton and Naval Base San Diego, which left dogs vulnerable to harsh weather conditions.

Willingham, who has closely monitored military working dogs, expressed concerns that the services must prioritize the well-being of these teams. He reflected on the critical role these dogs play in saving lives during military operations, stating, "The only reason I made it home was because of the dog that I had served with."

This report is part of an ongoing effort to improve conditions for military working dogs as the number of deployed teams has decreased in recent years.