WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Jared Moskowitz (D-Florida), Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon), Senator Rick Scott (R-Florida), and Congressman Vern Buchanan (R-Florida) introduced a bipartisan and bicameral resolution calling for an end to the global trade of dog and cat meat.

According to nonprofit organizations, approximately 30 million dogs and 10 million cats are slaughtered yearly to sustain the dog and cat meat trade. When transported to slaughterhouses, dogs and cats are packed tightly in trucks for hours or days without food or water. As a result, many dogs and cats suffer immensely and die during transport. The ones that survive the journey are slaughtered in the cruelest ways possible, including being clubbed, having their throats cut while still conscious, being burned alive, and being electrocuted.

The issue surrounding this inhumane practice goes even further. In addition to the cruelty of the dog and cat meat trade, consuming this kind of meat poses severe health risks to humans, and several diseases, such as rabies, cholera, and trichinellas, are associated with it. There is also a risk of spreading mutated canine influenza and canine coronavirus to humans, which could cause another pandemic to reach the United States.

“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,” said Congressman Moskowitz.

“Around the world, millions of dogs and cats are subjected to inhumane conditions before being cruelly slaughtered,” said Senator Merkley. “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.”

Senator Rick Scott said, “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.”

“Dogs and cats provide love and companionship to millions of people and should not be slaughtered and sold as food,” said Congressman 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.”

A list of additional original co-sponsors is found below: 

Rep. Bonamici (D-OR); Rep. Cohen (D-TN); Rep. Dingell (D-MI); Rep. Fitzpatrick (R-PA); Rep. Gottheimer (D-NJ); Rep. Posey (R-FL); Rep. Raskin (D-MD); Rep. Swalwell (D-CA); Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV); Rep. Van Drew (R-NJ)