Comments on: Pet Owner? The HAPPY Act Might Bring you Tax Deductions

By: LRWoolsey

LRWoolsey — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 16:04:45 +0000

I think this proposed legislation is an excellent idea, especially in today’s economy. I would be careful, however, to limiting it to just those pets who have been adopted through a shelter, as many pets are taken in after being dumped on an individual’s property. I live in the country and have numerous pets dumped each year. While I have placed many of these animals in happy homes of those I know and work with, I have kept a number of these animals myself, and a tax deduction would be a tremendous help in assisting with these expenses – not only for me, but for those who are kind and generous enough to accept one of these dumped animals into their homes!

By: Bryan

Bryan — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 17:49:47 +0000

Futhermore,if one were to look into IRA tax deducations for animal expenses they would see that there are several tax laws in effect allowing for tax deducation to various animal owners/breeders,owners who have pets that aid them in their disibilities, owners of animals who provide select public services etc.. Has anyone given consideration to those pet owners who at one time could pay their pet’s expenses but due to our falling economy and the miss management and selfish abuse of big business resulted in pet owners and others losing their homes and jobs. In some drastic cases owners were forced to give up their pets for adoption, pets were abandon or euthanize. Happy Act 3501 may have prevented or eased some small portion of these horrendous circumstances. Lets face the facts that there will always be those who abuse tax laws for their own selfish gains but for those who love animals,their pets, this is an excellent proposal that may certainly outweigh the mentioned cons and provide positive outcomes for both pet and owner.

By: Bryan

Bryan — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 15:29:44 +0000

It never ceases to amaze me how some individuals can so easily open their mouths, allow their tongues to begin some disembodied spasm and at the same time shut off their cerebral fuctioning and spew out enormous nonsencial rhetoric, all at the same time! This is simply a talent that one must work at daily in order to hone such fine skills! What facts or information can Chris produce to back up such outlandish pontification!
I don’t think the tax code is overly complex, I don’t think it is distorted and broken. I don’t think this bill is perverse, junk nor is it lunacy. For God sakes man… get a hold of yourself, seek help for your paranoia and your crippling fears!!This bill is way past due! Their are some who love their pet(s) as one would love a family member.Some might argue that their pet(s)might unconditionally love them deeper than their relatives. None the less, it is that love and relationship between the pet and owner that drives the owner of a beloved animal to spend ,”Whatever it takes” in times of emergencies. Personally my wife and I have spent well over $10,000 last year on our little beagle who was very sick with IBS disorder. We spend weekly on special foods and medication keeping her healthy. She brings so much joy to so many people,it never becomes a question about spending too much money.$3,500 is a fair deduction for animal lovers and this bill should pass without delay!

By: Carmen

Carmen — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 21:26:26 +0000

I’ve been in a position where I spent thousands of dollars to save my beloved pet so any tax break would be greatly appreciated. Vets are EXPENSIVE and as a result some people are FORCED to put their pet to sleep.

I support any that gives people a little bit of a tax break for vet bills.

By: Z

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 19:08:47 +0000

As inviting and charitable this bill may sound, it definitely should not be allowed to pass and this is why….

What stops a person from adopting a few pets from shelters, then do away with these pets (probably abandon them). Then keep receipts for deductions for the breeding and mills that they already are doing. The food and care will not be for adopted pets but for breeding and other purposes.

No way to monitor what animal(s)actually received the benefit of the food and care. Especially no cost-effective way to monitor this.

By: Theresa

Theresa — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 00:14:58 +0000

Saw this on the page a day too. We currently have 3 cats. We have adopted them thru various means. As they get older and their health begins to falter, the bills will begin to mount. This bill will surely ease our burden. We’ve had cats for over 20 years and spent several thousands of dollars for their medical care because we loved them. They are our children. Even if it’s a little compensation, it’s better than nothing. Hell, keep your receipts and prove what you spent. Vets prove you have a pet, your receipts prove you feed and protect them. How difficult is that?

By: Catherine

Catherine — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 22:11:58 +0000

Adopted from the shelter, wandered in from the neighborhood, found on the side of the road, or adopted from a breeder, all okay with me. Unqualified YES!! to the Happy Act.

By: Debbie

Debbie — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 16:41:57 +0000

Robin,I also learned of this bill on my page a day cat calendar. I would love to see this passed, as i do not have children. I am a middle aged female who lives alone and i do not have any tax credits. I have rescued cats my entire life and given them terrific health care and a warm loving home. At this time it is just myself and my loving rescued 5 yr old Ziggy. I agree with your ending statement refering to “a re-vamp of the entire tax structure”

By: G.E. Miller

G.E. Miller — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 12:16:21 +0000

I just learned that I was in this cat calendar yesterday. I feel like I should retire right now! I have not heard of a follow-up to this bill, but I’m going to look into it.

By: Margaret

Margaret — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 20:24:47 +0000

I too only learned of this bill from my cat calendar. I only have three cats, but I’ve had many more during my adult life, and all have been/are rescues. I spend a fair amount every year on vet care, food, litter, etc. It’s well worth the expense for the joy and love I receive from my kitties! Still, I sure wish they’d resurrect and pass this bill.