Idaho’s Most Bizarre Food Law Will Shock You

Idaho is for meat lovers.

When Idahoans think of meat, beef, chicken, pork, or whatever game is in season comes to mind. But there are two other animals on the menu that might surprise you. 

Brace yourselves, friend. We were today-years-old when we learned that it's legal for Gem State residents to consume dog and cat meat. If you're wondering how that's possible in 2024, it comes down to the Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act passed in 2017.

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In short, the act bans slaughterhouses and businesses from handling cats and dogs for human consumption and makes sale of their meat illegal. But the act doesn't apply to private citizens. Disturbed? We are. 

USA Today reports that while The Dog & Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act of 2017 makes it "illegal in all states for slaughterhouses to handle dogs and cats, and it's illegal for stores to sell the meat," private citizens, on the other hand are still free to consume their meat and sell it. 

As of 2023, only California, Hawaii, Michigan, New York, Virginia, and Georgia are the only states that have explicitly banned the practice across the board with fines as high as $5,000.  

Why is still legal to consume dogs & cats in most states?  

One reason could be the lack of Uncle Sam’s initiative. Until there's clear federal authority on the issue, it's unlikely anything’s going to change.

Another possible reason could have something to do with unique cultural norms in certain states. America is a melting pot. Whether we agree with it or not, in some countries, dog meat is considered traditional cuisine. 

Scroll on for Idaho's unique rule on eating roadkill.

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