HAPPY Act Legislative Bill Proposes Tax Relief for Pet Owners

In the United States 71 million households own a pet (About sixty-two percent of American households. 2) 1. Human Society estimates 38 percent of U.S. famiies own a cat and 39 percent own a dog. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals estimates: "cat owners spend close to $670 a year on their feline friends, while dog owners spend close to $900 per year on their canine companions." 2 Many pet owners during the recession are unable to provide for their family pet food and medical needs such as checks-ups, consequentially forcing them to consider a number of options 9: Placing their pets up for adoption, which does not guarantee their pets will be euthanasia. (Not all shelters have a 'no-kill' policy for pets that remain un-adopted for a period of time 5).

Unfortunately during the recession more pet owners choose to have their pet euthanasia, unable to pay for veterinarian care. DovelLewis Emergency Animal Hospital (Portland, Oregon) reported 62% during the first four months of the year 2009, increase number of pet owners humanely having their pet's euthanasia. In many cases, medical pet procedures can save a pet's life or provide treatment for a full recovery, such as treating blocked urethras in male cats or twisted stomachs in dogs. 4 A new legislative Bill in the House of Representative awaiting to be brought to the floor for a vote, provide financial relief up to $3,500 per person for pet care expenses, no matter how many pets require care. 2

On July 31, 2009 (6), Representative Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI) introduced a tax credit bill (Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years (HAPPY) act) for pet owners, and co-sponsored by Representative Jared Polis of Colorado and Representative Steve Cohen of Tennessee. 8 : Tax Credit up to $3,500 per year for related pet expenses, not including initial cost to purchase a pet. Also, exempt from the bill animals used for laboratory testing and animals exploited for venture capitalism including raising livestock. The HAPPY act would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 by providing a tax credit for expenses related to pet care including food and veterinarian bills. 6 "The proposed tax break would apply to exotic animals as well - as long as they are legal." In 2008, forty - three billion dollars spend on pets. 7 Nancy Perry, Vice President of government affairs at the Humane Society said: "We think this is as much a health care bill as any." 2 The Happy act Bill according to Sharon Harmon at the Oregon Humane Society confirms: "It's a great we are looking at pets are true members of the family." 7

The HAPPY act would help pet owners financially, especially during the recession and reduce the number of pets abandoned or placed for adoption. 6 Karen Terpstra, executive director of the Kent County Humane Society (West Michigan), expects the HAPPPY act bill tax deduction provide an incentive for pet owners to keep their pets and promote more adoptions. 1 If more pets could be adopted, humane society and shelters would have less financial concerns for the care and well being of their animals. Besides, the legislative bill provides a stimulus factor for the economy, including pet food industry, and veterinary care provided by trained physicians and staff. The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council endorses the HAPPY act legislation bill. 8 United States Representative Thaddeus McCotter interview seen on 'YouTube' reports the merits of the Happy Act Bill: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_uiSuy7TR8 (approximately 10 minutes long).

Unfortunately due to more important issues including health care reform, the HAPPY act is stalled in the US House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means, from being introduced to the House for a floor vote. 6 Pet owners and animal lovers who are interested to get the HAPPY act legislation bill (H. R. 3501) moved along and support passage into law, suggest contacting Ways and Means Committee members through the House committee web page: (http://waysandmeans.house.gov/contact.asp). 6

If the Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years (HAPPY) Act receives congressional passage and signed into law by the President, the Internal Revenue Service will be held responsible for implementing regulations. 8

References:

1.) Tax breaks for animal? Grand Rapids - area pet owners are divided on legislation -

http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2009/11/tax_breaks_for_animal_care_gra.html

2.) Happy act proposes tax cut for pet owners - http://www.kgun9.com/Global/story.asp?S=11309889

3.) Recession forcing pet owners to make tough decisions - http://www.wate.com/global/story.asp?s=9756782

4.) Vets facing more euthasasia quickly fill class on coping with trauma - http://www.oregonlive.com/pets/index.ssf/2009/05/vets_facing_more_euthanasia_qu.html

5.) Human Soceity adapts to new era After 125 years, animal welfare agency's pet project is pets - http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090215/NEWS16/902150307/-1/OPINION04

6.) HELP SAVE THE HAPPY ACT - http://network.bestfriends.org/golocal/alaska/13582/news.aspx

7.) Should pet ownership be tax deductible? - http://www.kval.com/news/local/64215667.html

8.) Pet Care Expenses Tax Deduction, Proposed Law - http://petcare.suite101.com/article.cfm/pet_care_expenses_tax_deduction_proposed_law

9.) Recession Anxiety Believed Spreading to Dogs and Cats, Owner's Glum Faces Blamed: Here's How to Calm Your Pet - http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/12/prweb1792804.htm