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.

Summary of H.R. 1110 (119th Congress, 2nd Session)

Title

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.

Purpose and intent

• The resolution states disapproval of the slaughter of dogs and cats for human consumption.
• It encourages Japan to enact a nationwide ban on slaughtering and selling dog and cat meat.
• It asserts shared values between the United States and Japan regarding animal protection, particularly for companion and service animals.
• It seeks to affirm ongoing U.S.-Japan cooperation on animal rights and welfare initiatives.
• It clarifies that the resolution does not intend to interfere with religious or cultural practices protected under law.
• It commends civil society efforts (notably including the World Dog Alliance) advocating to end human consumption of dog and cat meat worldwide.

Key provisions and changes

• Expresses disapproval of the practice of slaughtering dogs and cats for human consumption.
• Encourages Japan to implement a nationwide prohibition on such practices.
• Affirms the U.S.-Japan alliance and shared values on animal protection.
• Urges continued bilateral cooperation on animal welfare.
• Declares that the U.S. will not interfere with protected religious/cultural practices.
• Condemns cruelty involved in dog and cat slaughter and trafficking for meat.
• Commends civil society organizations advocating against dog and cat meat consumption.

Who/what would be affected

• Japan: The resolution is a political statement encouraging the Japanese government to legislate a national ban. It does not itself create legal obligations but signals U.S. policy preference and calls for action.
• U.S.-Japan bilateral relationship: The resolution frames animal welfare as a shared value and may influence diplomatic engagement and cooperative initiatives.
• Civil society and advocacy groups: The resolution explicitly recognizes their efforts and may bolster ongoing advocacy.

Procedural and timeline aspects

• Introduced: March 9, 2026.
• Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs (no further committee action detailed in the document).
• As a concurrent or simple resolution, it does not become law or directly impose regulatory requirements; it serves as an expression of the House’s position and policy preference.

Notable details

• References the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (7 U.S.C. 2160) as the U.S. ban precedent on dog and cat slaughter within the United States, though the bill itself focuses on Japan.
• Notes that some other developed Asian nations and major Asian cities have national or local bans on dog and cat slaughter and meat sales.
• Sponsorship and co-sponsors include Members of Congress from both parties, signaling bipartisan framing.

Bottom line

H.R. 1110 is a non-binding House resolution that communicates disapproval of dog and cat slaughter for meat, urges Japan to enact a nationwide ban, emphasizes shared U.S.-Japan values on animal welfare, and calls for ongoing bilateral cooperation—without establishing new legal requirements or funding.