[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 39 (Tuesday, March 7, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E280]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   INTRODUCTION OF THE DOG AND CAT MEAT TRADE PROHIBITION ACT OF 2017

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                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 7, 2017

  Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Dog and Cat 
Meat Prohibition Act of 2017, legislation that will prohibit the 
slaughter and trade of dogs and cats for human consumption in the 
United States. It might surprise you to learn that consumption of dogs 
and cats is still legal in 44 states in our nation, where there are no 
laws prohibiting the purchasing, shipping, transporting, selling, or 
donating of dogs or cats to be slaughtered for human consumption. This 
bill will prohibit these actions and impose penalties to ensure that 
individuals involved in the dog or cat meat trade are held accountable.
  The United States' position on this cruel and brutal practice should 
be unequivocal: dogs and cats should not be killed in this country for 
the consumption of their meat. It is with utmost importance that the 
United States unifies animal cruelty laws in all 50 states and 
explicitly bans the killing of dogs and cats for human consumption.
  Mr. Speaker, I hope this body will expeditiously pass this measure. 
Doing so will reaffirm America's commitment to the humane treatment of 
our most beloved companions.

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