I 115th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 1406 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES March 7, 2017 Mr. Hastings (for himself, Mr. Buchanan , Mr. Trott , and Mr. Brendan F. Boyle of Pennsylvania ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture A BILL To amend the Animal Welfare Act to prohibit the slaughter of dogs and cats for human consumption.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act of 2017 . 2. Prohibition on slaughter of dogs and cats for human consumption The Animal Welfare Act ( 7 U.S.C. 2131 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 30. Prohibition of slaughter of dogs and cats for human consumption (a) Prohibition 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) dog or cat parts for human consumption. (b) Penalty Any person who violates this section shall be subject to imprisonment for not more than 1 year, or a fine of not more than $2,500, or both. (c) Scope Subsection (a) shall apply only with respect to conduct in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce or within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States. (d) Conflict with State law This section shall not be construed to limit any State or local law or regulations protecting the welfare of animals or to prevent a State or local governing body from adopting and enforcing animal welfare laws and regulations that are more stringent than this section. .