H.R. 4057: CBP Canine Home Kenneling Pilot Act

This bill, titled the CBP Canine Home Kenneling Pilot Act, aims to create a pilot program that assesses the feasibility and benefits of housing canines used by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the homes of their handlers instead of in centralized kenneling facilities. The program would be executed by the Office of Field Operations (OFO) of CBP and is expected to begin within one year of the bill's enactment.

Program Establishment

The Executive Assistant Commissioner of OFO is tasked with establishing this pilot program that will:

• Determine if home kenneling benefits both the canines and their handlers.
• Include written guidance for field offices on the implementation of the pilot program.
• Provide training for canine handlers to ensure they can properly care for the canines.

Consultation and Guidance

Before starting the pilot program, the Executive Assistant Commissioner must consult with various stakeholders, including:

• Components of the Department of Homeland Security that already utilize home kenneling.
• The Office of Health Security within the Department of Homeland Security.
• Representatives from the National Treasury Employees Union.

Training for Handlers

The training for canine handlers will include:

• Full responsibility for daily care, such as feeding, exercising, and medical needs of the canines.
• Best practices for integrating the working canines into their homes.

Program Requirements

Specific requirements for the pilot program include:

• Participation from at least ten ports of entry across different regions (urban and rural).
• Voluntary participation from canine handlers.
• A minimum duration of two years for the program, with a maximum of three years before termination.

Reporting and Accountability

After the pilot period, the Executive Assistant Commissioner must provide:

• A briefing to Congress one year after the program's establishment, detailing guidance, training, and requirements.
• A report within 180 days after the program's termination, which would include:
• The number and location of participating canine teams.
• Findings that compare the health, job performance, and overall well-being of canines in home kenneling versus centralized kenneling.
• Recommendations for potential continued use of home kenneling by CBP.

Definition of Terms

The bill defines key terms such as:

• Appropriate congressional committees: This refers to relevant committees in both the House and Senate that oversee homeland security.
• Home kenneling: This is the practice of housing canines used for federal law enforcement at the residences of their handlers, rather than in a centralized facility.

Relevant Companies

None found.