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HAPPY Bill Proposes Tax Breaks For Pet Owners


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Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI) has a bill out that would give pet owners a tax break of up to $3,500 for their pet-related expenses.

The HAPPY bill -- which stands for Humanity And Pets Partnered through the Years -- has a huge supporter in actor Robert Davi, perhaps best known for his villainous roles in James Bond and The Goonies.

According to ABCNews.com, Davi was the main force behind the bill's introduction. The actor owns four dogs and one cat and runs D.E.L.T.A. Rescue, an animal rescue foundation in California.

"This money goes back into the economy, and it encourages people to understand the social responsibilities we have toward animals," David told ABCNews.com.

Nancy Perry of the Humane Society called the legislation "as much a health care bill as any...It's a human health issue to ensure that pets are provided with better care because of the role they play in our families." Data from the Humane Society estimated that about 62% of households in America own a pet.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty To Animals estimates that cats cost "about $670 a year on average to take care of, while dogs are about $200 a year more expensive."

Though many of the pets rights groups are pleased with the legislation, bloggers everywhere from The Huffington Post to local Michigan sites have criticized the Republican McCotter, who opposes health reform.

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4 comments

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October 13, 2009 4:03 PM   

A tax cut by any other name...

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October 13, 2009 9:03 PM   

Just a few facts about pets and the good health humans realize through pet ownership. Our pets are part of our families; they make a difference and contribute to better human health. There are multiple studies that not only provide conclusive results that pet owners enjoy a better level of health and wellness, but also pet owners spend less on healthcare. For humans; pets reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, higher survival rates from heart attacks, seek the care of a general practitioner at a significantly lower level, and seniors enjoy better physical and psychological well-being. Those are just but a few of the highlights of the research. There is extensive information and details available through the DELTA Society, and also the American Veterinary Medical Association. To people without pets this may be hard to understand, but most pet owners corroborate the research that indicates having a pet improves life and a sense of wellness and health! Loran Hickton, Executive Director, North American Pet Health Insurance Association. Please note, The North American Pet Health Insurance Association is not involved in this current legislation effort.

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October 19, 2009 11:27 AM   

Thank you for raising public awareness regarding the Pet Tax-Exemption Act. Also, please be aware that the idea of tax relief for pet owners was originated by actor/animal welfare activist Leo Grillo. This has all be documented quite well by many reliable news sources, such as Congress Daily and Congressional Quarterly.

Grillo is founder and president of D.E.L.T.A. Rescue, the largest animal sanctuary of its type in the world. Grillo and actor Robert Davi took Grillo's proposal to Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI) who, in turn, introduced H.R. 3501 on Capitol Hill.

Although Davi is a fine actor, an animal lover and supports H.R. 3501, he does not run D.E.L.T.A. Rescue and never has run D.E.L.T.A. Rescue.

For more information, kindly visit www.deltarescue.org.

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October 19, 2009 11:54 AM   

Thank you for raising public awareness regarding the Pet Tax-Exemption Act. Also, please be aware that the idea of tax relief for pet owners was originated by actor/animal welfare activist Leo Grillo. This has all been documented quite well by many reliable news sources, such as Congress Daily and Congressional Quarterly.

Grillo is founder and president of D.E.L.T.A. Rescue, the largest animal sanctuary of its type in the world. Grillo and actor Robert Davi took Grillo's proposal to Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI) who, in turn, introduced H.R. 3501 on Capitol Hill.

Although Davi is a fine actor, an animal lover and supports H.R. 3501, he does not run D.E.L.T.A. Rescue and never has run D.E.L.T.A. Rescue.

For more information, kindly visit www.deltarescue.org.

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