PRINTER'S NO. 2657
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
583
Session of
2017
INTRODUCED BY HELM, BARRAR, BERNSTINE, BOBACK, V. BROWN,
CALTAGIRONE, CHARLTON, DRISCOLL, EVERETT, HAHN, JOZWIAK,
W. KELLER, KORTZ, KRUEGER-BRANEKY, MACKENZIE, MENTZER,
MILLARD, MURT, NEILSON, O'NEILL, PICKETT, RADER, READSHAW,
SCHWEYER AND WARD, OCTOBER 26, 2017
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY
PREPAREDNESS, OCTOBER 26, 2017
A RESOLUTION
Beseeching the Congress of the United States and the Department
of Veterans Affairs to consider authorizing the use of
service dogs for veterans suffering from post-traumatic
stress disorder or other emotional traumas.
WHEREAS, The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) estimates
that 11% to 20% of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans are
suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other
emotional traumas; and
WHEREAS, Many veterans find it hard to trust anyone and
therefore have difficulty going out in public to interact with
others; and
WHEREAS, Combat veterans may resort to confining themselves
in the home, which can lead to alcoholism, drug addiction or
depression; and
WHEREAS, The VA pays for service dogs for veterans who suffer
from physical disabilities such as impaired hearing, vision and
mobility; and
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WHEREAS, Current Federal regulation does not authorize the
use of service dogs to assist in the healing of our wounded
warriors suffering from emotional trauma; and
WHEREAS, The VA has been developing programs that help
veterans and animals bond; and
WHEREAS, The VA has been working with nonprofit associations
that specialize in equine-assisted therapy to help improve the
quality of life for injured veterans and to help with the
emotional and mental health of PTSD sufferers; and
WHEREAS, The VA and the National Institutes of Health
continue to study the use of service dogs for individuals who
have been diagnosed with PTSD; and
WHEREAS, Service dogs, psychiatric service dogs or emotional
support dogs can help mitigate a veteran's disability; and
WHEREAS, As the greatest nation on earth, we should do
everything we can to help our wounded veterans heal as quickly
as possible; and
WHEREAS, Providing the best and most productive health care
and therapy, including animal companions as a holistic approach
for veterans suffering from PTSD, could help prevent veterans
from needing extensive inpatient care or from hurting themselves
and their families; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives beseech both the
United States Congress and the Department of Veterans Affairs to
strongly consider authorizing the use of service dogs for
veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and other
emotional traumas suffered as a result of their dedication and
service to their country; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to the presiding officers of
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each house of Congress and to each member of Congress from
Pennsylvania.
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