Illinois lawmaker wants to ban sale of lion meat

CHICAGO (AP) — A state lawmaker is pushing legislation that would ban the sale of lion meat and the slaughter of the animals in Illinois.

Rep. Luis Arroyo, a Chicago Democrat, is sponsoring the measure. He says he's aware of at least two places in the state that he believes are selling lion meat, but he would not identify them.

He says it's inhumane to slaughter lions for food, telling the Chicago Sun-Times that there are "other meats we can eat besides the lions."

The House bill would establish penalties of up to one year in jail and a fine of $2,500 for offenders.

Lions are not on the U.S. government's list of endangered species.

Arroyo's bill is in the House Agriculture and Conservation Committee.

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The House bill is HB 2991.