US House bans slaughter of dogs, cats
A legislation prohibiting slaughter of cats and dogs for human consumption was passed in the US House of Representatives on Wednesday. Under the Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act, 2018, a fine of USD 5,000 (over Rs 3,50,000) will be imposed for each violation.
In another resolution, the House has urged all countries including China, South Korea and India to end the dog and cat meat trade.
The resolution urges the governments of China, South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, India, and all other nations enforce laws for putting a ban on dog and cat meat trade.
The countries will also be urged to enter the international markets and make use of their food safety laws to crack down on the sale of dog and cat's meat. The resolution would also urge the countries to increase their efforts to prevent the usage of leather, fur and products by such trade.
Transportation, possession, sale, purchase or donation of a dog or cat to be slaughtered for human consumption will be prohibited under the bill.
The passage of the two legislations was welcomed by the animal welfare organisation, the Animal Wellness Action (AWC).
According to the director of Animal Wellness Action, “the dog meat trade – claiming 30 million lives a year – is the world's largest form of dog exploitation.”
The trade is widespread in South Korea in China, where millions of dogs are slaughtered by butchers.
