The House passed a bill Wednesday prohibiting the slaughter of dogs and cats for human consumption.
The Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act of 2018 seeks to outlaw the intentional killing, distribution, sale, purchase or donation of a cat or dog for the purpose of human consumption. The bill would fine individuals up to $5,000 for each violation.
The bill was introduced by two Florida congressman. In a press release, one of them said, “we should send a clear message that slaughtering these beloved animals for food is unacceptable and will be punished."
The practice is still legal in 44 states. New York, California, Georgia, Michigan, Virginia and Hawaii are the only states with explicit laws against cat and dog consumption.
The House also passed a second resolution, which urges other countries to "adopt and enforce laws banning the dog and cat meat trade."
