In light of the fact that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is placing undocumented children in literal cages to sleep on mats under tin foil–colored space blankets, you might think its accommodations for dogs would be even worse.
But you’d be wrong.
Instead of space blankets, dogs in the custody of Customs and Border Protection, a division of DHS, will be treated to “plush double-sided sheepskin bedding” at the Peninsula Pet Resort in California, according to federal procurement records reviewed by TYT. The records identify the contract as a CBP purchase for “canine kenneling.” They do not indicate whether the contract is for dogs CBP owns or seizes.
The dogs will sleep indoors in the resort’s 177 separate doggie suites, which feature “frequent maid service and clean bedding every day,” as well as “raised kennel decking,” according to Peninsula Pet Resort’s website. The site also says, “MOST IMPORTANTLY—WE PROVIDE LOVING CARE!”
By contrast, CBP reportedly has made undocumented detainees sleep in “freezing cold” cells on concrete floors without mats. President Trump has referred to undocumented immigrants as “animals.”
Temperature is unlikely to be a problem for the dogs, as the resort includes heating in all indoor areas. They’re even in the process of installing air-conditioning.
Another advantage the dogs may have over detained children is outdoor playtime. Although detention centers reportedly permit children to play outside for two hours each day, Peninsula Pet Resort allows its guests up to four hours of outdoor playtime daily.
The contract, worth $67,324, is listed as lasting for 11 months, from July 1 of this year to June 30, 2019. Which is 12 months.
Ken Klippenstein is a freelance journalist who can be reached on Twitter @kenklippenstein or via email: [email protected].
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