U.S. Representative Garbarino Leads H.Res.1110 Resolution Calling for Japanese Legislation After Promoting South Korea's Ban on Dog Meat

During the "Dog Lovers' Day" celebration held in Washington, D.C. on September 26, 2023, Genlin, Founder of the World Dog Alliance, presented the highest honor, the "Golden Dog Award," to U.S. Republican Representative Andrew Garbarino. Prior to this, in August 2023, Representative Garbarino spearheaded a bipartisan congressional joint letter to then-South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, calling on South Korea to explicitly legislate a ban on dog meat.

This congressional joint letter led by Representative Garbarino was key to advancing South Korea's legislation. Just a few months after the letter was issued (January 9, 2024), the South Korean National Assembly passed the Special Act on the Prohibition of Dog Meat Consumption, bringing an end to the centuries-old custom of dog meat consumption in South Korea once and for all.

Spearheading the H.Res.1110 Resolution Urging Japan to Legislate a Ban on Dog and Cat Meat

Following the legislative success in South Korea, Representative Garbarino set his next sights on Japan. On March 9, 2026, he spearheaded Resolution H.Res.1110, uniting both Republican and Democratic lawmakers to issue a strong appeal to the Japanese government.

The resolution emphasizes that the United States passed Section 12515 of the 2018 Farm Bill to ban dog and cat meat. Meanwhile, several Asian economies and major cities—including South Korea, Taiwan, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, and Jakarta, Indonesia—have implemented legal or administrative bans on dog and cat meat consumption. The resolution notes that concern for animal welfare among the Japanese public and parliamentarians is growing daily, highlighted by the establishment of the bipartisan Parliamentary League for Animal Welfare in 2020, which laid a public foundation for a nationwide ban in Japan.

Core Demands and Key Content of the H.Res.1110 Resolution:

• Encouraging Nationwide Legislation: Encouraging Japan to enact national legislation to comprehensively ban the consumption of dog and cat meat.

• Deepening U.S.-Japan Cooperation: Reaffirming the shared values of democracy and humanitarianism between the U.S. and Japan, and affirming both nations' mutual commitment to protecting companion animals.

• Condemning Slaughter Practices: Condemning the underground industry chain involving the slaughter and smuggling of dogs and cats for meat.

• Acknowledging Civil Organizations: The resolution specifically commends civil society organizations represented by the World Dog Alliance (WDA), recognizing their advocacy efforts in advancing an end to dog and cat meat consumption worldwide.

According to Him Lo, Legal Director and U.S. Representative of the WDA: "Resolution H.Res.1110, introduced by Representative Garbarino, provides immense support for the World Dog Alliance's campaign to promote legislation banning dog and cat meat in Japan. We look forward to the resolution being passed soon, further drawing international attention to this cause."