Representatives Vern Buchanan (R-FL) and Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) came together to introduce a bipartisan resolution demanding an end to the international trade of dog and cat meat.
According to Human Society International, 40 million dogs and cats are slaughtered annually to sustain the market. Those that are taken to slaughterhouses are often packed tight in trucks and many do not survive the journey.
“Dogs and cats provide love and companionship to millions of people and should not be slaughtered and sold as food,” said Rep. Buchanan. “The United States sent a strong message in 2018 by passing the late Rep. Alcee Hastings’s and my legislation to permanently ban the practice domestically. The U.S. should continue to be a leader against this inhumane and unsafe industry by passing this resolution condemning the practice across the globe.”
Moreover, Rep. Moskowitz would also add that “these disturbing practices must end.”
“The global suffering of dogs and cats for human consumption is barbaric and unconscionable. The same animals that we consider valued members of our families are victims of some of the worst examples of human cruelty. This resolution is an important step in eliminating the pervasive abuse of dogs and cats worldwide,” stated Rep. Moskowitz.
Additionally, Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) introduced the bipartisan companion resolution alongside Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR).
Sen. Scott called the cat and dog meat trade “unimaginable.”
“It is unimaginable to think of cats and dogs being tortured and killed for people to eat. We must end this disturbing and inhumane practice now and I am proud to stand alongside my colleagues to send this important message in a bicameral and bipartisan resolution,” Sen. Scott mentioned.”
Sen. Merkley also provided a statement, saying, “Around the world, millions of dogs and cats are subjected to inhumane conditions before being cruelly slaughtered. These disturbing practices must end. This resolution sends a resounding message to the countries that perpetrate these abuses that the United States is committed to enforcing critical animal welfare standards, and urges the global community to do the same.”
According to the Buchanan press release, this resolution builds upon the Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act, which banned the slaughtering of dogs and cats for human consumption in the United States in 2018.
