Georgia Congressmen Introduce Beagle Brigade Act

With your Southeast Regional Ag News, I am Haylie Shipp. This is the Ag Information Network.

More than 50 prominent agricultural, livestock, veterinary and trade organizations are calling for the passage of H.R.8432, the Beagle Brigade Act of 2022. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives Wednesday by Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Congressman Drew Ferguson (GA-03), Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) and Congressman Adrian Smith (NE-03).

The legislation would provide permanent authorization for the National Detector Dog Training Center, located in Newnan, Georgia. The center extensively trains detector dogs and their U.S. Customs and Border Protection handlers to sniff out prohibited agricultural items that could carry foreign plant pests or animal diseases into our country. Senators Raphael Warnock (GA) and Joni Ernst (IA) introduced the companion bill in the U.S. Senate.

According to www.NationalHogFarmer.com, the Center primarily trains dogs—mostly beagles—to detect fruits, vegetables and meats in international passenger baggage, mailed packages and vehicles entering the United States. Dogs are selected from animal shelters, rescue groups and private owners, and those that do not complete training are offered for adoption.