Did you know that dog and cat meat is completely legal in 44 states of the U.S.? That’s right — as shocked and outraged as so many of us are about the brutality to companion animals in other parts of the world, the truth is that the slaughter is happening right here in our homeland, too.

A mere 6 states have outlawed dog and cat meat; that leaves nearly 90% of the country with no law protecting these animals from being killed, butchered and eaten.

But now, there is an opportunity to finally end this atrocity. Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) has introduced H.R. 1406, the Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act of 2017, which will prohibit the transport, sale, and possession of dogs or cats to be slaughtered for human consumption.

"This bill allows the United States to stand in unity with other countries that have made the dog and cat meat trade illegal, while also giving the United States greater standing to urge other countries to end this brutal and inhumane practice once and for all,” said Hastings.

This legislation was cosponsored by Reps. Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Dave Trott (R-MI), and Brenden F. Boyle (D-PA). And with the support of both parties, there is no excuse for Congress not to pass this lifesaving bill.

Please sign the petition urging Congress to enact the Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act of 2017 at once. It’s time for America to finally protect its companion animals from slaughter.