Thousands in tax breaks proposed for pet owners By: Katie Gibas
If you have a pet, you know how those vet bills can add up, sometimes to thousands of dollars per year. One Michigan Congressman recognizes that and is working to give pet owners tax breaks with the "Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years, or HAPPY Act. Our Katie Gibas spoke with pet owners and animal shelter workers about why they feel the bill is so important.
WATERTOWN, N.Y. -- For pet owners, their furry friends are more than just animals; they're part of the family.
"I've known people that will take care of their pets before they take care of their adult children," said Linda Miles, Jefferson County SPCA Director.
"For many people they are their children. They've decided either not to have children or they can't have children, so they have their cat, their dog, their chinchilla," said Angel Munson, Jefferson County SPCA Co-Director.
Pet owners are working hard to give more animals better care by fighting to get a bill in Congress passed. The HAPPY Act would allow for responsible pet owners to deduct up to $3,500 per year off their taxes for qualifying pet care expenses including veterinary care. Supporters say it would allow owners to keep their pets when money is tight and give them quality care.
"Quite often with the economy now, we have people coming in and saying they can't afford the health issues, or they can't afford the food. It definitely will help keep stray animals off the street. People will keep their animals rather than abandon them," said Miles.
"I think we'd see a reduction in the number of animals being released because people have to make that choice, do I care for my pet or do I care for my family?" said Munson.
SPCA workers say besides helping pet owners better care for these furry guys. The bill would also help animal shelters get more pets adopted.
"The shelter, my goodness, it would really help us place animals a lot faster, hopefully into permanent, good homes that people would be able to afford them because of the deduction," said Miles.
The HAPPY act is still waiting for action after being referred to the House Ways and Means Committee this summer.
Pet owners and animal shelter workers are urging people to contact their local representative in support of the HAPPY Act.
To send your local representative a note or visit the ASPCA's HAPPY Act web page .
For more information on the bill visit thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.3501:
I own an animal. I own one because I know what my responsibilities are to this animal. I also can afford this pet. We don't need a tax deduction. If you can't meet the needs of owning a pet and can't afford one......don't get one. But don't look to the government for help that clearly is the pet owners sole responsibility. IMHO
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
Can I just say------WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!-----------------------------really....honestly.....is education system that much lacking that the world is turning upsidedown????????
...you are a product of your environment, your environment is a product of your priorities, your priorities are a product of you......
The replacement of morality and conscience with law produces a deadly paradox.
STOP BEING GOOD DEMOCRATS---STOP BEING GOOD REPUBLICANS--START BEING GOOD AMERICANS
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