H.R. 3965: Providing Emotional Assistance with Relief and Love Act

This bill, known as the Providing Emotional Assistance with Relief and Love Act (or PEARL Act), proposes to create a pilot program within U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that focuses on adopting dogs from local animal shelters. Here are the key points of the bill:

Purpose of the Program

The main goal of this pilot program is to train these adopted dogs to serve as support animals. They will be specifically trained for use in the CBP's Support Canine Program, which suggests they could play roles that assist CBP personnel, potentially providing emotional support or serving other beneficial functions within the agency.

Implementation Timeline

The bill mandates that the Secretary of Homeland Security must establish this pilot program no later than 60 days after the bill is enacted. This urgent timeline emphasizes the importance placed on getting the program started quickly.

Duration of the Program

The pilot program is set to exist for a duration of three years from the date it is established. After this period, there may be a review or assessment of the program's effectiveness, based on the outcomes of the initiative during those three years.

Adoption Focus

By specifically adopting dogs from local animal shelters, the program aims to not only fulfill the support needs within CBP but also to provide homes for animals in need. This can help address both the demand for support animals in the agency and the issue of pet homelessness.

Roles of Support Dogs

The bill does not specify the exact roles that these support dogs will take on, but typical functions in similar programs might include:

• Providing emotional support to CBP staff, helping alleviate stress or anxiety.
• Participating in outreach and community engagement activities.
• Facilitating interactions with the public, especially in contexts where an approachable presence is beneficial.

Oversight and Management

Management of the program would fall under the jurisdiction of the Commissioner of CBP, ensuring that the initiative aligns with the broader goals and regulations of the agency.

Funding and Resources

The bill does not outline specific funding mechanisms within the text provided, so additional details regarding financial backing would need to be determined through the appropriations process or future legislation.

Overall Impact

The PEARL Act is intended to enhance the emotional well-being of CBP personnel while also providing a valuable opportunity for shelter dogs, indicating a commitment to mental health support within federal law enforcement and animal welfare efforts.

Relevant Companies

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