Whereas the history of our Nation needs to comprise the social, economic, cultural, and medical contributions made by military animals and their human handlers, and should include stories of their valor, sacrifices, and meritorious achievements made on behalf of our freedom and safety; Whereas military animals have made significant contributions to the peace and protection of our United States and were officially recognized by the Quartermaster Corps on March 13, 1942; Whereas military animals have served in war throughout history and contributed selfless service and bravery by recognizing their historical contributions, including: (1) More than 2,200 years ago, African general Hannibal used elephants to carry soldiers and weapons. Since that time, while horses, pigeons and dogs have been mostly used, a vast array of animals were put into service, including camels, mules, donkeys, and llamas. The United States experimented with dolphins and sea lions. “Bomber bats” were even tested during World War II before the hydrogen bomb was completed. (2) During World War I, over 8 million horses and mules were killed. (3) In 1917, the Army Signal Corps established the Signal Pigeon Corps. At its height during World War II, the Signal Pigeon Corps consisted of 3,000 enlisted members, 150 officers, and 54,000 pigeons, two-thirds of which were deployed overseas, with the other 18,000 held in reserves. (4) Over 11,500 military working dogs were trained for the home front and warfront during World War II. (5) Approximately 2,000 military working dogs were sent overseas in World War II, an estimated 4,000 military working dogs served in Vietnam and an estimated 5,700 military working dogs have served in Afghanistan and Iraq since 2006; Whereas there are currently over 3,000 military working dogs in the United States today, and there is an increasing demand for these military working dogs in the United States as a result of the proven worth and success in their various service and working capacities