Paws Up! Representative Rodney Davis aims to initiate agreement to end the consumption and trade of cat and dog meat globally.
November 11, 2022
When many of us think of cats and dogs, we think of our beloved companion animals. We share our homes, hearts, and free time with these animals. For some, these companion animals become family members.
The last thing on most people’s minds is to have these animals on their menu. Representative Rodney Davis of Illinois introduced H. Con. Res. 112. This concurrent resolution urges the administration to initiate the International Agreement to Prohibit the Eating of Dogs and Cats. This agreement would stop the consumption and trade of cat and dog meat in all nations.
The cat and dog meat trade is happening globally, but the majority of it is happening in Asia. Around 30,000,000 to 10,000,000 cats and dogs die annually from this world trade. A lot of these animals die in transport to the slaughterhouses due to having no access to food and water for weeks. If these animals do make it to the slaughterhouse, there have been reports of animal abuse, poor living conditions, and cruel slaughtering techniques performed. A significant number of stolen animals that arrive have their collars still on.
Several countries’ government officials have taken action against this heartbreaking practice. Taiwan has passed laws banning the consumption of cat and dog meat. South Korea formed the Consultative Discussion Committee on Ending Dog Meat Consumption in December 2011. The United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Norway, and Sweden have all urged their government officials to support the International Agreement to Prohibit the Eating of Dogs and Cats.
There is a shift happening where people globally no longer see cats and dogs as food sources. If such events were happening in the United States, they would directly conflict with our animal cruelty laws. Dogs and cats all over the world should receive that same level of protection.
Do you support the International Agreement to Prohibit the Eating of Dogs and Cats? Contact your legislators here.