Despite being the biggest fans of dogs and cats, turns out there were no formal laws in the United States against consuming our furry friends until the House of Representatives passed legislation which would outlaw the practice, as reported by USA Today. And even though you may have never seen anyone chow down (sorry) on dogs and cats, the practice until recently legal in 44 of the 50 States.
The bill, which was introduced by Florida congressmen Rep. Alcee Hastings (D) and Vern Buchanan (R), will make it illegal to knowingly slaughter, transport, possess, buy, sell or donate dogs or cats or their parts for human consumption. Fines for breaking the law, named the Dog and Cat Meal Trade Prohibition Act, can cost up to $5,000 per infraction.
“Dogs and cats provide love and companionship to millions of people and should not be slaughtered and sold as food,” Buchanan said, per USA Today. His bipartisan bill partner agreed: “This bill is a reflection of our values and gives us a greater standing in urging all other countries to end this horrific practice once and for all,” Hastings said.
Animal rights are actually a rare topic on which Democrats and Republicans vote unanimously. Considering all the political discord right now, it’s nice to know everyone can agree on how important our furry, four-legged friends are.
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