Missouri rejects bill naming state historical dog

The Missouri House has rejected an attempt to name a dog that accompanied explorers Lewis and Clark as the state historical dog.

Lawmakers voted 84-67 Thursday to defeat a bill honoring Seaman, a Newfoundland dog that traveled with Meriwether Lewis and William Clark more than 200 years ago.

Platte City Republican Rep. Jason Brown said he was approached by two fourth-grade girls who asked the state to give the dog the honor.

According to the secretary of state's office, Missouri has 26 state symbols, including the state amphibian, the state musical instrument and the state tree nut.

Some lawmakers questioned whether the dog ever came to Missouri and if the state should be recognizing a breed from Canada.