Eating Dogs in the US Is It Illegal and What You Need to Know

In the US, eating dogs is a topic of debate, and the laws surrounding it vary from state to state.

Dog meat is considered a delicacy in some cultures, but in the US, it's not commonly consumed. In fact, only a few states allow the practice, with some having laws that prohibit it.

The laws against eating dogs in the US are largely based on animal welfare concerns. Many people view dogs as pets and companions, rather than food animals.

Some states, like Hawaii, have strict laws against dog meat consumption, while others, like South Carolina, allow it under certain circumstances.

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Eating dogs is indeed prohibited in the US. The Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act of 2018 made it illegal to slaughter, transport, possess, buy, sell, or donate dogs or cats for human consumption.

This law was included in the Farm Bill passed by Congress and signed into law in December 2018. Violation of this law can result in penalties, including fines.

The penalties for violating this law can be severe.

In the United States, federal and state public health regulations govern the slaughter, processing, and sale of meat for human consumption to ensure food safety.

There are no regulations or inspections for processing dog meat since dogs are not recognized as livestock in the U.S.

It is illegal in all states for slaughterhouses to handle dogs, and it's also illegal for stores to sell dog meat.

However, individuals in most states can kill and eat a dog or sell the meat to other people, as long as it's not through a store.

The Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act of 2018 makes it illegal to knowingly slaughter, transport, possess, buy, sell, or donate dogs or cats, or their parts, for human consumption.

Violation of this law can result in penalties, including fines.

California bans even owning the carcass of a dog, so it's not possible to use the excuse that you got dog meat from somewhere else instead of butchering it yourself.

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Some states, like New York, have laws that protect "any animal traditionally or commonly kept as a pet or companion", which includes dogs.

The House has passed legislation that would outlaw the slaughter of dogs and cats for food, and it's now up to the Senate to pass the Dog and Cat Meal Trade Prohibition Act before Congress adjourns this fall.

If passed, violators would be fined up to $5,000.

In the US, public health and safety regulations play a crucial role in governing the consumption of dog meat. Since dogs are not recognized as livestock, there are no regulations or inspections for processing dog meat.

Federal and state public health regulations are in place to ensure food safety, but these laws do not apply to dog meat. This is because dog meat is not considered compliant with food safety laws.

Direct legislation banning the consumption of dog meat is not the only consideration, other legal factors also come into play.

Additional reading: How to Stop Dog from Eating Other Dogs Food