
From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
[Laws in effect as of January 2, 2001]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
  January 2, 2001 and January 28, 2002]
[CITE: 10USC2582]

 
                         TITLE 10--ARMED FORCES
 
                    Subtitle A--General Military Law
 
                PART IV--SERVICE, SUPPLY, AND PROCUREMENT
 
CHAPTER 153--EXCHANGE OF MATERIAL AND DISPOSAL OF OBSOLETE, SURPLUS, OR 
                           UNCLAIMED PROPERTY
 
Sec. 2582.\1\ Military working dogs: transfer and adoption at 
        end of useful working life
        
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    \1\ So in original. Probably should be ``2583''.
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    (a) Availability for Adoption.--The Secretary of Defense may make a 
military working dog of the Department of Defense available for adoption 
by a person or entity referred to in subsection (c) at the end of the 
dog's useful working life or when the dog is otherwise excess to the 
needs of the Department, unless the dog has been determined to be 
unsuitable for adoption under subsection (b).
    (b) Suitability for Adoption.--The decision whether a particular 
military working dog is suitable or unsuitable for adoption under this 
section shall be made by the commander of the last unit to which the dog 
is assigned before being declared excess. The unit commander shall 
consider the recommendations of the unit's veterinarian in making the 
decision regarding a dog's adoptability.
    (c) Authorized Recipients.--Military working dogs may be adopted 
under this section by law enforcement agencies, former handlers of these 
dogs, and other persons capable of humanely caring for these dogs.
    (d) Consideration.--The transfer of a military working dog under 
this section may be without charge to the recipient.
    (e) Limitations on Liability for Transferred Dogs.--(1) 
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the United States shall not 
be subject to any suit, claim, demand or action, liability, judgment, 
cost, or other fee arising out of any claim for personal injury or 
property damage (including death, illness, or loss of or damage to 
property or other economic loss) that results from, or is in any manner 
predicated upon, the act or omission of a former military working dog 
transferred under this section, including any training provided to the 
dog while a military working dog.
    (2) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the United States 
shall not be liable for any veterinary expense associated with a 
military working dog transferred under this section for a condition of 
the military working dog before transfer under this section, whether or 
not such condition is known at the time of transfer under this section.
    (f) Annual Report.--The Secretary shall submit to Congress an annual 
report specifying the number of military working dogs adopted under this 
section during the preceding year, the number of these dogs currently 
awaiting adoption, and the number of these dogs euthanized during the 
preceding year. With respect to each euthanized military working dog, 
the report shall contain an explanation of the reasons why the dog was 
euthanized rather than retained for adoption under this section.

(Added Pub. L. 106-446, Sec. 1(a), Nov. 6, 2000, 114 Stat. 1932.)
