There
seems to be a lot of misinformation regarding the closing of our canine
breeding program located at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. So,
I feel a need to provide clarification.
A
recent efficiency review showed the program was appropriated $1.8 million
dollars for FY’12 (not $400K as reported elsewhere). It was determined that the
program is important, but further investments would need to be made to take the
breeding program to the next level. For example, it would take $4 million
dollars alone just to build the facilities necessary. The program currently
employs two full time Federal employees and has contracts with a local company
for the up-keep of the kennels and for medical and health needs.
TSA
decided to phase out the breeding program in an effort to best manage taxpayer
dollars. IMPORTANT, however, is that TSA will continue to train the dogs for
explosive detection responsibilities. Only the breeding program will be
discontinued.
What
you may not know is that TSA currently uses existing contracts like the one
operated by the Department of Defense to purchase up to 80 percent of the
canines used for the safety and security of the transportation domains we
protect. That means that only 20 percent of the canines come from the breeding
program in Lackland. Another 20 percent of the canines that are bred are
purchased by other agencies and used in a variety of law enforcement or
security functions.
While
the breeding program is scheduled to cease all operations in by mid-year 2013, TSA
recognizes that canines are a vital part of our layers of security. So, TSA
will be expanding its canine training operations at Lackland Air Force Base.
A
special thanks to all of the volunteers for their hard work and dedication with
the breeding program. While these changes are prudent decisions, they will
never result in compromising security.
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