In a huge step forward in the fight to ban the consumption of dog and cat meat in the US, the House of Representatives passed the Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act 2018 (H.R. 6720) in a voice vote this week.
The bill — sponsored by Republican Rep. Vern Buchanan and Democratic Rep. Alcee Hastings — bans the slaughter, transport, possession, and trade of dogs and cats for human consumption. It also outlaws the trade of dog and cat meat between states and internationally, with a maximum fine of $5000. Currently, only six states have regulations banning dog and cat meat.
“As the House of Representatives also calls for the end of the dog and cat meat trade globally, it is important to that we hold ourselves to the same standards we wish to see in others,” said a statement released by Alcee Hastings following the bill’s success. “ H.R.6720 makes that commitment, and I urge the Senate to take up this important bill without delay.”
The next step is for the bill to pass through Senate and be enacted by the president.
“More than half the households in America have a dog or cat as part of their family,” Congressman Vern Buchanan said. “We should send a clear message that slaughtering these beloved animals for food is unacceptable and will be punished.”
A further resolution was passed in which the House calls upon numerous countries, such as China, South Korea, Indonesia and more, to join the US in banning the dog and cat meat trade. The dog meat industry in these countries is horrific, with tens of millions of animals brutally slaughtered every year.
“There is no place in our compassionate society for these practices,” said Congresswoman Claudia Tenney. “This bill is a reflection of America’s values, and sends a strong message to all nations that we will not stand for this inhumane and cruel treatment.”
If you haven’t done so already, sign Lady Freethinker’s petition in support of this bill, ensuring that the Senate supports this important step for animal welfare.
WE ARE HYPOCRITES IN THE USA. WE INTERFERE WITH OTHER COUNTRIES BUT YET WE DO IT HERE IN THE USA. THIS COWARDLY ACT SHOULD NOT HAPPEN ANYWHERE.
Animal welfare is the most important thing.
These animals needs to be saved.
THIS NEEDS TO STOP.THESE DOG AND CATS ARE MEMBERS OF FAMILY IN MANY HOMES,NOT TO BE USED AS FOOD ON YOUR TABLE.OR FUR ON HUMANS BODIES.WE AS HUMANS WE HAVE BECOME SO EVIL & MEAN.ONE DAY I BELIEVE THE LORD WILL OPEN THE BLACKHOLE TO HELL AND WE WILL BE GONE.I ONLY WISH THIS WOULD HAPPEN TO ALL THE PEOPLE WHO ARE TORTURING AND KILLING DOGS&CATS NOW!!
Well done!
I should think so. It’s about time. This should never be happening anyway!!!
This is fabulous news. Thank you to everyone who supported this. I truly hope that this message will spread to the rest of the world and that all countries will ban the killing and eating of dais and cats and punish those that break the law. Yippee!
Please completely ban dog and cat meat trade. Thank You
Absolutely love this accomplishment on behalf of innocent dogs and cats! They are our companions, not food!
THANK YOU SO MUCH,BUT THIS IS NO WAY OVER!!! THERE IS STILL POOR DOGS IN ALL OF ASIA AND ALL 3RD WORLD COUNTRIES…..WE AS HUMANS,DOG/CAT&ALL OTHER ANIMALS KILLED TORTURED,BOILED,DISMEMBERED ALIVE FOR MEAT&FUR….IS DISGUSTING!!! I WISH IN MY HEART THIS WAS OVER….BUT I KNOW ITS NOT!!!..ITS EASY MONEY,JUST LIKE DOG FIGHTS.TY 4 READING I WILL NOT STOP THIS FIGHT.
So happy our innocent cats and dogs are being saved from this barbaric treatment. As they are our companion animals they are not to be food!
Yay for small victories!
Still a long way to go but this is great news It shouldn’t have taken so darn long but we have all been fighting for this and will continue to fight against the DCMT across the world Thank You to everyone who worked so so hard It was not easy
This is sick and the people that eat them should be locked up!
Should be a minimum fine of $5000.
Can everyone now petition the UK government to follow suit please.
What is this world coming to?
The FBI recognizes the link between hurting animals and hurting humans, and calls people who do this PSYCHOPATHS.
Just think – how many people going to restaurants could have been eating a cat or dog. I’m so glad I’m vegan.
I can’t believe this is allowed in my America! We are not a third world country this has to be stopped!
Great news!
It never should of been legal!!!
Wonderful ! About time!
Good I’m glad the bill passed dogs and cats should be house pets not someones meal I just hope people dont go against this I know there are some who will but I’m glad it’s a law now
thank you for saving them.. I don’t live in the usa but I love comeing to new York. we English people love our pets to thank you again for saveing them
For the love of God, we have enough food — even if this were not so, WHO, in their mind, would cruelly, unconscionably, depravedly abuse and murder dogs and cats — THIS MUST NOT BE — this must not be in the U.S. NOR anywhere else in the world.
I am glad we could take this step in favor of the innocent animals.
Yea!! Dogs and cats weren’t meant for consumption, maybe if there was nothing else to eat? That is why we have pigs. cattle and chickens to raise and eat.
There is TOO MUCH meat already.
I wish nothing but pain, agony and misery to those that torture and kill animals and particularly to those that eat them.
I meant dogs, cats, etc. I only approve of farm animals that are humanely slaughtered. Just wanted to clarify.
i hope that any country never eats any animals any more.
To people in America who devour dog and cat meat ( yes, you know who you are)-you’re put on notice- stop or go to jail. There’s no place in this country for companion animal consumption.
Well done!
Our family is opposed to slaughter and sale of dogs, horses, cats. And any othe animals.
The Galarneau Family
Thank you to all who have fought for & supported the humane treatment of our “best friends- cats and dogs” & keeping them from sadly being put on the dinner table worldwide.
This barbaric treatment of cats and dogs must end worldwide NOW. It must never be acceptable ANYWHERE.
Thank you, to all the people who have pushed this forward.