Social Compassion In Legislation (SCIL) is excited to announce that federal bill H.R. 1406, referred to as the “Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act,” was introduced and sponsored by Representatives Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL-20), Vern Buchanan (R-FL-16), Dave Trott (R-MI-11), and Brendan Boyle (D-PA-13). SCIL is proud to have worked alongside of Rep. Hastings and the Animal Hope and Wellness Foundation (AHWF) as he introduced this important legislation.
“In much of the United States it is still legal to slaughter dogs and cats for the purpose of human consumption,” said Congressman Hastings. “It is long overdue for Congress to unify animal cruelty laws across our country to explicitly ban the killing and consumption of these animals. I am pleased to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to end this cruel and inhumane practice.”
“The introduction and subsequent passing of this bill is extremely important to Animal Hope and Wellness Foundation which has been working tirelessly to stop the dog meat trade in Asia,” said founder Marc Ching who enlisted SCIL’s expertise in generating animal welfare legislation. “We want the message to be sent worldwide that human consumption of dog and cat meat is unacceptable everywhere, not only in Asia, and that ultimately, if the bill passes, it is against the law in the United States.”
“With the passage of the Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act, we can all be certain that slaughtering dogs and cats in every corner of the United States will be illegal and will not be tolerated,” said Judie Mancuso, president of Social Compassion In Legislation. “Dogs and cats have a special place in all of our hearts. Not only does this bill implement a consistent legal regime across the country, but it also sends the message that our companion animals are cherished and protected in the United States.”
Dogs and cats play a vital role in the collective experience of the United States: they are woven into the fabric of American culture. Indeed, 62% of American households include at least one pet and nearly all of them (95%) consider those pets to be a member of the family. That is why many Americans are shocked when they learn that there are no laws in 44 states prohibiting the slaughter of dogs and cats for human consumption in any way. But hopefully with the passage of this important legislation that will all change.
“Dogs and cats provide companionship to millions of Americans and should not be slaughtered and sold as food,” added Congressman Buchanan. “This bill will update our animal cruelty laws to provide important protections to America’s most popular pets.”
Currently, only California, New York, Virginia, Michigan, Georgia, and Hawaii have any legislation regulating the slaughter of dogs and/or cats for human consumption. The Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act will prohibit any person to knowingly ship, transport, move, deliver, receive, possess, purchase, sell, or donate a dog or cat to be slaughtered for human consumption; or dog or cat parts for human consumption.
“The fact that this legislation is even necessary today is astonishing. It is past time for us to outlaw such a cruel and barbaric practice once and for all. The Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act of 2017 will finally make it illegal to slaughter animals most of us think of as family members. It is my hope that, with the passage of this bill, the United States will no longer be party to this disgusting practice,” said Congressman Boyle.
“As a proud dog owner, I understand what an important part of our families our four-legged friends are and I believe that they should be treated with the utmost respect. I am proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to stand strong against the dog and cat meat trade and advocate for the humane treatment of our beloved animals,” said Congressman Trott.
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Photo Credits: SCIL, AHWF, HBC Group, starightpoop.com
