An amendment introduced by Rep. Jeff Denham would alter the Animal Welfare Act to forbid people from knowingly slaughtering a dog or cat for human consumption. | Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call House farm bill would ban eating cats and dogs

The House Agriculture Committee on Wednesday approved a farm bill amendment that for the first time would prohibit the slaughter of dogs or cats for human consumption or the sale of their meat.

Critics wondered whether the measure was necessary.


Rep. Al Lawson (D-Fla.) asked if people are really eating cats and dogs.

“Mr. [Steve] King is the only one who tells me people do that in his district,” Rep. Jeff Denham (R-Calif.), who introduced the amendment, joked.

The amendment was approved by voice vote and was considered separately from an en bloc package of 18 amendments to cleared by the committee.

It would alter the Animal Welfare Act to forbid people from knowingly slaughtering a dog or cat for human consumption. Punishment for violating the law would be up to one year in prison and a fine of $2,500.

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“Adopting this policy signals that the United States will not tolerate the disturbing practice in our country,” Denham said as the amendment was considered.

Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) pointed out that there are traditions in other countries where people eat cats and dogs. While he said he doesn’t personally condone that, he finds it “a little tough” to send offenders to prison.

King (R-Iowa) also voted against the amendment, saying he thought the federal sentence went too far.

