The House of Representatives passed a bill that prohibits the slaughter, transport and sale of dogs and cats for consumption . Republican Rep. Vern Buchanan and Democratic Rep. Alcee Hastings sponsored the Cat and Dog Meat Trade Ban Act of 2018. Buchanan released a statement saying that cat and dog meat "should be banned entirely given what dear are these animals to most Americans . "
The bill makes an exception for Indian tribes, as long as the purpose is a religious ceremony. "I am proud to have championed this effort in Congress to explicitly prohibit the killing and consumption of cats and dogs throughout the United States," said Democratic Rep. Alcee Hastings.
The bill also prevents foreign and interstate trade in cats and dogs for consumption . The maximum fine for the consumption of dogs and cats is $ 5,000
