Bill Overview
Title: Sgt. Fieldy Act
Description: This bill authorizes the interment of a deceased military working dog in any open national cemetery under the control of the National Cemetery Administration.
Sponsors: Rep. Gonzalez, Vicente [D-TX-15]
Target Audience
Population: People connected to military working dogs
Estimated Size: 500000
- The bill specifically pertains to military working dogs.
- The immediate impact is on deceased military working dogs that do not have a designated interment procedure in national cemeteries.
- There is an indirect impact on military personnel who handled and worked with these dogs, as well as families and individuals who cared for these working dogs.
- Veteran organizations and cemetery administrations will also be influenced by the implementation of this bill.
Reasoning
- The Sgt. Fieldy Act holds emotional significance for those connected to military working dogs, especially dog handlers, their families, and veterans. Its budgetary limitations imply a selective application where only a portion of deceased military working dogs may be interred in national cemeteries initially. The impact, therefore, will vary based on personal attachment and involvement with these dogs.
- Given the policy's estimated target population of 500,000, we account for varying degrees of impact — some individuals will see direct emotional closure and dignity offered posthumously to their canine companions, while others might not see immediate personal benefits.
- In simulating interviews, nine responses will be highly affiliated with military activities, and one will not be, reflecting the broader U.S. population outside the target. This reflects the more common scenario where people are indirectly or not at all affected.
- Budget constraints mean that the policy will be implemented incrementally and selectively, so not everyone within the immediate targeted group will benefit at the same time or equally.
Simulated Interviews
Sergeant - Military Dog Handler (Fort Bragg, NC)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe this policy shows respect and acknowledgment for the service of our canine colleagues.
- It would bring a sense of closure to handlers knowing that their dogs can rest with dignity.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Veterinary Technician (San Antonio, TX)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Implementing this policy is a great step forward in recognizing these dogs' contributions.
- It might also bring more awareness and care improvements while they serve.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Veteran Affairs Coordinator (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This bill is a meaningful addition that may help provide mental peace for dog handlers after service.
- It shows a societal shift towards honoring non-human veterans too.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Gold Star Mother (Houston, TX)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Knowing his dog could have a proper resting place brings a sense of gratitude.
- I hope all military pets are eventually given this respect.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Marine Corps Veteran (Miami, FL)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's respectful and long overdue.
- It recognizes that these dogs are comrades in service.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Animal Rights Advocate (Seattle, WA)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This act can spotlight the sacrifices that these animals make, helping improve protection and rights.
- It may encourage further discussions and policies in animal service rights.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
National Cemetery Administrative Staff (Chicago, IL)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy will add to our workload, but it acknowledges the vital roles these dogs play.
- Additional resources will be necessary for implementation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Military Spouse (San Diego, CA)
Age: 33 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy gives us assurance about our dog's future.
- It's comforting to know that they will be recognized for their service.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Journalist (New York, NY)
Age: 40 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is subjectively significant as a signal of changing attitudes towards military animals.
- I'm curious how this affects broader military policies regarding animal handling and treatment.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Retired Civil Engineer (Kansas City, MO)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 20/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't have much opinion on this policy.
- I see it more as a niche concern, not necessarily impacting my life.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $150000 (Low: $100000, High: $200000)
Year 2: $151500 (Low: $101000, High: $202000)
Year 3: $153015 (Low: $102010, High: $204020)
Year 5: $156076 (Low: $104060, High: $208120)
Year 10: $163237 (Low: $108243, High: $216484)
Year 100: $298742 (Low: $198742, High: $398742)
Key Considerations
- Dog burial practices and costs at historical military sites or specific canine cemeteries should be reviewed as current benchmarks.
- Understanding the psychological impact on service members and measuring improvements could justify expenditures.
- Tracking and maintaining accurate records of dog burials could inform future policy adjustments.