4 military working dogs died because of "unsatisfactory kennel facilities," Pentagon watchdog finds
CBS News • • general
Key Points:
- Four military working dogs died between fiscal years 2021 and 2023 due to being housed and trained in aging, unsatisfactory kennel facilities, according to a Defense Department inspector general report, though the Air Force disputes neglect as the cause of death.
- Autopsies revealed one dog died from severe bronchopneumonia and three from E. coli pneumonia, with no direct attribution to neglect, but the Air Force agrees with recommendations to increase caretakers and upgrade kennel facilities.
- Investigators found mold issues and inadequate protection from extreme weather at multiple military installations, including Fort Bragg and Joint Base San Antonio Lackland, where caretaker shortages led to dogs receiving significantly less physical and social activity than required.
- Dogs not in training
