March 9, 2026
Mr. Garbarino (for himself and Mr. Davis of North Carolina) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs
Expressing the disapproval of the House of Representatives regarding the slaughter of dogs and cats for human consumption and encouraging Japan to enact a nationwide ban on such practices.
Whereas the slaughter of dogs and cats for human consumption in the United States was banned under section 12515 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (7 U.S.C. 2160);
Whereas some developed Asian nations, including South Korea and Taiwan, have in effect national bans on the slaughter of dogs and cats for human consumption;
Whereas major cities in Asia, including Shenzhen and Zhuhai in China and Jakarta in Indonesia, have banned the slaughter of dogs and cats for human consumption and the sale of dog and cat meat;
Whereas the Japanese public, along with members of the Japanese Diet, have demonstrated increasing support for animal welfare initiatives, as evidenced by the establishment of the All-Party Animal Welfare Members’ Alliance in 2020;
Whereas the United States and Japan share democratic values, a strong commitment to the human-animal bond, and a long history of cooperation on global ethical and humanitarian issues; and
Whereas the slaughter and trade of dogs and cats for human consumption is inconsistent with the shared moral and cultural values of the United States and Japan: Now, therefore, be it
Sec.
That the House of Representatives—
(1)
encourages Japan to enact a nationwide ban on the slaughter of dogs and cats for human consumption;
(2)
affirms the shared values between the United States and Japan regarding the protection of animals, particularly those considered companion animals and service animals;
(3)
urges continued bilateral cooperation between the United States and Japan on animal rights and animal welfare initiatives;
(4)
does not seek to interfere with or limit religious or cultural practices protected under domestic or international law;
(5)
condemns the cruel and inhumane practice of killing and trafficking millions of dogs and cats for meat, which has no place in the 21st century; and
(6)
commends the efforts of civil society organizations, including the World Dog Alliance, for their advocacy to end the human consumption of dog and cat meat worldwide.