US Code
CHAPTER 54— TRANSPORTATION, SALE, AND HANDLING OF CERTAIN ANIMALS
§ 2160. Prohibition on slaughter of dogs and cats for human consumption

(a) In generalExcept as provided in subsection (c), no person may—(1) knowingly slaughter a dog or cat for human consumption; or
(2) knowingly ship, transport, move, deliver, receive, possess, purchase, sell, or donate—(A) a dog or cat to be slaughtered for human consumption; or
(B) a dog or cat part for human consumption.
(b) ScopeSubsection (a) shall apply only with respect to conduct—(1) in or affecting interstate commerce or foreign commerce; or
(2) within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States.
(c) Exception for Indian tribesThe prohibition in subsection (a) shall not apply to an Indian (as defined in section 5304 of title 25) carrying out any activity described in subsection (a) for the purpose of a religious ceremony.
(d) PenaltyAny person who violates subsection (a) shall be subject to a fine in an amount not greater than $5,000 for each violation.
(e) Effect on State lawNothing in this section—(1) limits any State or local law or regulation protecting the welfare of animals; or
(2) prevents a State or unit of local government from adopting and enforcing an animal welfare law or regulation that is more stringent than this section.

Structure US Code

US Code

Title 7— AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 54— TRANSPORTATION, SALE, AND HANDLING OF CERTAIN ANIMALS

§ 2131. Congressional statement of policy

§ 2132. Definitions

§ 2133. Licensing of dealers and exhibitors

§ 2134. Valid license for dealers and exhibitors required

§ 2135. Time period for disposal of dogs or cats by dealers or exhibitors

§ 2136. Registration of research facilities, handlers, carriers and unlicensed exhibitors

§ 2137. Purchase of dogs or cats by research facilities prohibited except from authorized operators of auction sales and licensed dealers or exhibitors

§ 2138. Purchase of dogs or cats by United States Government facilities prohibited except from authorized operators of auction sales and licensed dealers or exhibitors

§ 2139. Principal-agent relationship established

§ 2140. Recordkeeping by dealers, exhibitors, research facilities, intermediate handlers, and carriers

§ 2141. Marking and identification of animals

§ 2142. Humane standards and recordkeeping requirements at auction sales

§ 2143. Standards and certification process for humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of animals

§ 2144. Humane standards for animals by United States Government facilities

§ 2145. Consultation and cooperation with Federal, State, and local governmental bodies by Secretary of Agriculture

§ 2146. Administration and enforcement by Secretary

§ 2146a. Searchable database requirements

§ 2147. Inspection by legally constituted law enforcement agencies

§ 2148. Importation of live dogs

§ 2149. Violations by licensees

§ 2150. Repealed. , ,

§ 2151. Rules and regulations

§ 2152. Separability

§ 2153. Fees and authorization of appropriations

§ 2154. Effective dates

§ 2155. Omitted

§ 2156. Animal fighting venture prohibition

§ 2157. Release of trade secrets

§ 2158. Protection of pets

§ 2159. Authority to apply for injunctions

§ 2160. Prohibition on slaughter of dogs and cats for human consumption