HAPPY bill

[VickieP]

I just heard about this on the news. Pros and Cons, what do you think?

Act H.R. 3501, entitled "Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years (HAPPY) Act", would institute a change within the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permit pet owners to deduct up to $3500 from their taxable income expenses they occurred in providing adequate pet care. Most routine pet care expenses would be covered however the cost of purchasing a pet would not be covered. Pets that qualify should be able to be described as "a legally owned, domesticated, live animal" and therefore does not include animals that are owned or utilized in conjunction with a trade or business or animals that are used for research.

The HAPPY Act was introduced on 31 July, 2009, and was written based on research supplied by the American Pet Products Association’s National Pet Owners Survey and was then referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council is giving their full support and issued an alert on 5 August, 2009:

"Providing pet owners the opportunity to deduct pet care expenses is an important step toward ensuring that pet owners provide adequate veterinary and other necessary pet care. It encourages responsible pet ownership and will hopefully reduce the abandonment of pets by people struggling as a result of the economic downturn."

[JanetA]

WOW!!

[BirdbyBird]

I have been watching that one.....bet I can come up with enough deductions (bills) at my house

[retiredhappy]

I'm afraid there would still be irresponsible pet owners. Here in Texas most of those dogs in the back of pickup trucks aren't neutered. The men here seem to take it personally if you suggest they get their dogs fixed.

[JanetA]

some of the MEN in texas oughta get themSELVES fixed! ! ! ! !

[WickedLady]

Doesn't do anything for those of us seniors that no longer pay taxes and have to scrounge the money for vet bills.

[VickieP]

Doesn't do anything for those of us seniors that no longer pay taxes and have to scrounge the money for vet bills.

That's a good point, that's why I asked, I knew things that seem too good,,,,,, don't work for everyone.

[avalen]

Doesn't do anything for those of us seniors that no longer pay taxes and have to scrounge the money for vet bills.

what??????? you mean there's a point in time I no longer have to pay taxes?
I had no idea.
I like the idea of the Happy Act, now what did I do with that receipt for Gracies spay?

[JanetA]

WHen we get to that point where we don't have to pay taxes is when we are BROKE! I agree w/ wickedlady

sad, isn't it?