PROHIBITION ON SLAUGHTER OF DOGS AND CATS FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION.

SEC. 12515. [7 U.S.C. 2160] PROHIBITION ON SLAUGHTER OF DOGS AND CATS FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. (a) In General.—Except 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) Scope.—Subsection (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 Tribes.—The prohibition in subsection (a) shall not apply to an Indian (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304)) carrying out any activity described in subsection (a) for the purpose of a religious ceremony. (d) Penalty.—Any 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 Law.—Nothing 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.