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

• (a) 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) 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) The 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) Any person who violates subsection (a) shall be subject to a fine in an amount not greater than $5,000 for each violation.
• (e) 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.