![Middle-aged woman at home on the couch in the interior / Man biting raw meat on the kitchen [Shutterstock/Ross Helen/Anatoly Tiplyashin]](https://images.dailycaller.com/image/width=960,height=411,fit=cover,f=auto/https://cdn01.dailycaller.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/EatingAnimals.jpg "Middle-aged woman at home on the couch in the interior / Man biting raw meat on the kitchen [Shutterstock/Ross Helen/Anatoly Tiplyashin]")
Republicans and Democrats are voting Wednesday on bipartisan legislation that would ban the consumption of dogs and cats.
Republican Rep. Vern Buchanan of Florida introduced the H.R. 6720 on Sept. 6, and was scheduled to be taken up by the House a week later. If passed, the legislation would penalize violators by fining them up to $5,000 per infraction, reported The Washington Examiner. The bill also has specific exemptions for certain Native American tribes, who might consume dogs and cats for religious ceremonies. (RELATED: Dem Rep. Alcee Hastings Jokes About President Trump Drowning In The Potomac River)
“My Democratic colleague, [Rep. Alcee Hastings of Florida] and I hope to pass our bill next week protecting dogs and cats from being killed and sold as food,” Buchanan tweeted. “These beloved animals provide companionship to millions of people.”
My Democratic colleague, @RepHastingsFL, and I hope to pass our bill next week protecting dogs and cats from being killed and sold as food. These beloved animals provide companionship to millions of people. Read more here: https://t.co/vgWbcOEP7Q
— Rep. Vern Buchanan (@VernBuchanan) September 7, 2018
Hastings previously introduced a similar bill, the Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act, in March 2017, which would amend the Animal Welfare Act, the only federal law regulating the treatment of animals in regards to research and exhibition. Hasting’s bill would penalize transporting, possessing, purchasing, selling or donating animals slaughtered animals for human consumption and also apply to foreign commerce.
It is currently legal in 44 states to eat dogs and cats.
Buchanan co-chairs the Animal Protection Caucus and has been a vocal opponent to loosening restrictions on the Endangered Species Act.
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