Should working canines in the armed forces be classified as military "equipment"?

That’s what some legislators are addressing in the House and Senate.

Legislators are considering changing the classification of military working dogs from "equipment" to "canine members of the armed forces", according to a news article published on AnnArbor.com.

In February 2012, Rep. Walter Jones (R) of North Carolina introduced The Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act to the House, and Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D) of Connecticut did in the Senate.

The legislation would reclassify military dogs as "canine members of the armed forces" instead of "equipment." Additionally, the proposal would establish a recognition system for military working dogs killed in the line of duty and commendable service awards for extraordinary bravery on the part of a military dog.

The pending legislation would also set up a nonprofit organization to provide medical care for retired military animals — something that they already get before retirement.

Read more on the classification of canines as military equipment on AnnArbor.com.