115 HR 6720 IH: Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act of 2018 U.S. House of Representatives 2018-09-06 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I115th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 6720IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESSeptember 6, 2018Mr. Buchanan (for himself, Mr. Hastings, Mr. Brat, Mr. Fitzpatrick, Ms. Titus, Mr. Brendan F. Boyle of Pennsylvania, Mr. Ted Lieu of California, Mr. Donovan, and Mr. Blumenauer) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on AgricultureA BILLTo prohibit the slaughter of dogs and cats for human consumption, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act of 2018.

2.

Prohibition on slaughter of dogs and cats for human consumption

(a)

In general

Except as provided in subsection (c), no person may— (1)knowingly slaughter a dog or cat for human consumption; or (2)knowingly ship, transport, move, deliver, receive, possess, purchase, sell, or donate— (A)a dog or cat to be slaughtered for human consumption; or (B)a dog or cat part for human consumption. (b)

Scope

Subsection (a) shall apply only with respect to conduct— (1)in interstate commerce or foreign commerce; or (2)within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States. (c)

Exception for Indian Tribes

The prohibition in subsection (a) shall not apply to an Indian (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304)) carrying out any activity described in subsection (a) for the purpose of a religious ceremony. (d)

Penalty

Any person who violates subsection (a) shall be subject to a fine in an amount not greater than $5,000 for each violation. (e)

Effect On State law

Nothing in this section— (1)limits any State or local law or regulation protecting the welfare of animals; or (2)prevents a State or unit of local government from adopting and enforcing an animal welfare law or regulation that is more stringent than this section.