Buying from soldiers?

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 11:41:10 -0500

One of my soldiers let a neighbor babysit his dog, and ended up with a lot of husky puppies. Apparently he's not allowed to have puppies on post, it seems like he hasn't done much with trying to solve the problem, so I am about to make him develop a plan of action pretty soon on how he's planning to get rid of these puppies.

They are pure-bred huskies, so he doesn't want to give them away for free if he can. I don't know anything about post regulations for dogs/pets, buying/selling, etc, and that's why I'm here. I've also considered possibly taking one and giving him due compensation for the puppy as well.

I'm having trouble finding the rules and regulations for this sort of thing, and I will admit I know nothing about it, and that's why I'm here. So forgive me for not knowing what might seem like common sense to some of you all.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Dec 8 at 2014 11:42 AM

Capt Richard I P. — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 11:42:54 -0500

2LT Private RallyPoint Member As to buying from your soldiers: I'd go with the venerable Dick Winters on this one... "Never put yourself in a position to take from these men."

As to selling puppies in general: I think adoption with donations towards the birthing costs is much more palatable.

As to Huskies anywhere but Alaska or Montana: it seems pretty cruel. An animal that can safely sleep outside in the arctic shouldn't really be South of Canada.

Response by MAJ Laurie H. made Dec 8 at 2014 11:53 AM

MAJ Laurie H. — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 11:53:25 -0500

AR 600-20 para 4-14c states "Prohibited relationships include the following:
(1) Ongoing business relationships between officers and enlisted personnel, or NCOs and junior enlisted Soldiers. This prohibition does not apply to landlord/tenant relationships or to one-time transactions such as the sale of an automobile or house, but does apply to borrowing or lending money, commercial solicitation, and any other type of ongoing financial or business relationship."

Can't speak to post regulations, and there are a lot of other considerations to keep in mind here, but seems as though a one time purchase/sale would technically be within regs.

Response by SPC Donald Moore made Dec 8 at 2014 12:10 PM

SPC Donald Moore — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 12:10:38 -0500

It would be beneficial to know where this is so that someone knowledgeable of the specific post regulations could comment.
When I was stationed on Ft. Stewart, Ga; it was against post housing guidance to have more than a certain number of pets. (A whole litter would probably exceed that limit.)
Because of the aforementioned limitation in post housing, my company Supply Sargent had to unload a litter of cats that had been created while we were deployed. This didn't appear to upset anyone in the chain of command at that time, but it was 20 years ago.
I would equate it to having a yard sale. It should not be an on-going business where he makes puppies to sell for a profit. If I recall, that would be strictly against regulations, running a business from your quarters.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2014 4:50 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 16:50:33 -0500

2LT Sibaja, I don't see anything wrong with your proposal as long as you are not his rater on his NCOER and it would be different if you were not compensating him however, you are not only helping him solve the problem by having him come up with a plan but also electing to take on the responsibility of dog ownership to help him out. I'm sure the money from the purchase will go a long way in helping this Soldier care for the other puppies until they are sold/given away. There is no gray area, the regulation is clear that one time transactions are not restricted. I would be more cautious about a car or t.v. purchase or an item that could be defective and cause problems between buyer/seller down the road. I am the type that puts everything on paper when it come to subordinates, so make sure the Soldier is comfortable with the price and do a type of purchase agreement. This will ensure the intent of your actions are transparent. Lastly, I would use your PSG for advice, usually they are a good check and balance for there Soldiers. If he is good with it, (and I don't see why not) your all set.
We need more like you Sir, good job.

Response by MSgt Bj Jones made Dec 9 at 2014 5:18 PM

MSgt Bj Jones — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 17:18:03 -0500

How about suggesting he donate the puppies to the organization that trains dogs to be service animals for wounded warriors?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2014 9:39 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 09:39:53 -0500

Have the soldier talk to the housing office for the specific on post pet policy and go from there. Incidental pet pregnancies are usually allowed as long as the pups are taken care of the proper way and re-homed in a timely manner