I 115th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 6720 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES September 6, 2018 Mr. 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 Agriculture A BILL To 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.