Jonathan's Universe

I like to call myself a very patriotic person. I’m also very supportive of our military. But something happened fairly recently, that’s just not acceptable. At all.

Here’s the story: A US soldier whom had been stop-lossed (enlistment term involuntarily extended) found a little tiny puppy.  Through the help with SPCA’s Baghdad Pups she raised this poor scrawny lil guy to a docile dog. This dog, to my knowledge, has no conditions (fleas, rabies, aggression issues, etc). This dog looks really friendly and honestly quite adorable.

Cute, right? Uncle Sam didn’t agree. The commanding officers of the soldier seen above seized the animal (named Ratchet) en route to the airport to go home with the soldier’s family.. a place where he was  guarenteed love and safety.

“It is against military regulations for active duty troops to befriend animals”

I kind of find that to be a little bit of a stretch. There is no provision or clause in the UCMJ that mentions anything about animals with the exception of the prohibition of animal abuse (this is important, keep note of it). However, in a document dated in late 2000 (ie, before the war), the following is listed as a prohibited activity per General Order 1A:

“Adopting as pets or mascots, caring for, or feeding any type of domestic or wild animal.”

That being said, these are different times. These soldiers don’t have many friends out there. Yet these animals can offer unconditional love and care for them. Also, note, it’s the SPCA that is handling the transportation and such of these animals. They are not being transported with tax payers money.

According to a press release by the SPCA:

“It is against military regulations for active duty troops to befriend animals – Soldiers can face immediate court-marshal and some even see their animals brutally murdered by a direct gunshot to the head from commanding officers who will not bend the rules.”

I sincerely hope the SPCA is embelishing that. Because if the military is killing animals, especially when it’s not a misery kill (animal is mortally wounded, rabies, no chance of survival, etc), that is definitely animal abuse, which the military claims to take very seriously. Also, not only would that be cruel and unusual punishment to the animal, it is also cruel and unusual punishment for the soldier. That’s just not acceptable.

Personally, I suggest everyone start talking to their state congressmen.