Illinois Lawmaker Wants To Ban Lion Meat

SPRINGFIELD, IL. (CNN) – Eating lion meat is not illegal in the U.S.

But one lawmaker wants to ban it in Illinois.

State Representative Luis Arroyo proposed the bill to the state’s General Assembly last month.

If the Lion Meat Act passes, Illinois will become the first U.S. state to forbid lion slaughter, making it illegal to serve or sell lion meat.

Offenders would face a year in jail and a fine of up to 25-hundred dollars if convicted.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, lions are not currently protected as an endangered cat in the U-S.

There are no laws prohibiting its sale.

The Food and Drug Administration categorizes lion as a “game meat.”