WASHINGTON — On Wednesday, Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., and Pat Toomey, R-Pa., introduced a bipartisan amendment to the Farm Bill that will prohibit the slaughter of cats and dogs for human consumption, and prohibit the domestic trade, import and export of cat and dog meat.

“Cats and dogs are our companions, and we need to ensure they aren’t being killed for food,” said Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. “It is outrageous that this practice is not currently illegal in the United States, which is why I introduced this bipartisan amendment to prevent cat and dog slaughter and prohibit cat and dog meat from being imported to our country. I will fight to get this amendment included in the Farm Bill and urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this provision.”

“As any pet owner knows, our cats and dogs can be more than just animals — they are our companions, helpers, and family,” said Toomey. “There is no room in our society for the despicable trade of cat and dog meat for human consumption, and the Farm Bill is the appropriate vehicle for this legislation.”

The bipartisan amendment has the support of various animal welfare groups, including: The Humane Society of the United States, and the Humane Society Legislative Fund.

“We commend Senators Gillibrand and Toomey for leading efforts in the Senate to end the horrific cruelty of the cat and dog meat trade,” said Humane Society Legislative Fund President Sara Amundson. “Their amendment will prevent this appalling trade from taking hold in the U.S. and strengthen our hand in seeking to end it worldwide. Around 30 million dogs and untold numbers of cats are subjected to this brutal industry globally every year, with animals often snatched off the street or stolen from loving families, still wearing collars as they are subjected to unspeakable abuse to end up on someone’s dinner plate. With the language already in the House version of the Farm Bill, we hope the Senate will concur with this common-sense measure.”