The federal claims court has awarded unpaid overtime
compensation under the Fair Labor Standards Act to about
sixty current or former Customs and Border Protection
canine enforcement officers.
The plaintiffs alleged that the Department of Homeland
Security failed to pay for six categories of overtime work
performed during off-duty hours related to caring for and
training dogs and maintaining their firearms.
The court found in Bull v. United States, No. 01-56C, that
the plaintiffs are entitled to liquidated damages for
laundering dog-training towels, constructing training aids,
and weapons care and maintenance, for estimated time ranging
from 15 minutes to two hours per week, and extended the
stature for recovery from two to three years.
The court also ordered DHS to foot the bill for “a reasonable
attorney’s fee, and costs of the action,” and told the
plaintiffs to calculate and present to the court the amount
of compensation each plaintiff is entitled to – or otherwise
present explanations why they disagree with the order.
