119-HRES-1110 Journalist Public Summary
A nonbinding House resolution urges Japan to ban the slaughter of dogs and cats for human consumption, reaffirms shared U.S.–Japan animal‑welfare values, and commends advocacy groups; it carries no force of law and, as of March 9, 2026, sits in the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
Headline Summary
The House is considering a symbolic resolution urging Japan to ban dog and cat meat, reaffirming shared animal‑welfare values without changing U.S. law.
What It Does
This is a simple House resolution (not a bill that becomes law). It expresses the House’s disapproval of slaughtering dogs and cats for human consumption and encourages Japan to enact a nationwide ban. It affirms shared U.S.–Japan values on protecting companion and service animals, urges continued cooperation on animal‑welfare initiatives, clarifies that it does not aim to restrict protected religious or cultural practices, condemns the trade as cruel and inhumane, and commends civil‑society advocates such as the World Dog Alliance. It also notes that the United States already prohibited this practice in 2018 and that several Asian governments and cities have adopted bans.
Who’s For It
- Sponsors: Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R‑NY) and Rep. Donald Davis (D‑NC), signaling bipartisan support for animal‑welfare diplomacy.
- Animal‑welfare groups, including those named in the text (e.g., World Dog Alliance), for campaigning to end the dog‑ and cat‑meat trade.
- Members who emphasize U.S.–Japan partnership and shared ethical standards regarding companion animals.
Who’s Against It
- No formal opposition is identified in the text. Because this is a nonbinding foreign‑policy statement, typical objections to similar measures include: (a) concerns about lecturing allies on internal policy, (b) the view that it’s symbolic and doesn’t address urgent domestic priorities, or (c) preference to handle such matters through quiet diplomacy rather than public resolutions.
What’s Next
- As of March 9, 2026, the resolution has been referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs for consideration.
- If the committee advances it and the House adopts it, the resolution would state the House’s position. Because it is a simple House resolution (H. Res.), it does not go to the Senate or the President and does not change U.S. law.
Discussion