Republican Thaddeus McCotter introduced the HAPPY Act- the Humanity And Pets Partnered through the Years Act (HR 3501) on July 31, 2009. The bill would allow pet owners to deduct up to $3,500 a year for “qualified pet care expenses.”
According to the HAPPY Act, a qualified pet means a “legally owned, domesticated, and live animal,” but the act will not recognize animals “used for research or owned or utilized in conjunction with a trade or business or with respect to which the taxpayer has claimed a deduction under section 162 or 213 in any of the preceding 3 taxable years.”
The main focus of this bill would be responsible ownership and the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council fully supports the bill. The HAPPY Act may decrease the amount of stray animals as well as animals who are being given to shelters because of tough financial times.
We’ll have to wait for the final bill. For now, read the current copy here.
Tags: $3500 deductible for qualified pet care expenses, Republican Thaddeus McCotter, the HAPPY act
Are you kidding? This is where our tax money goes? To dogs? There are people who are starving and barely have enough money to support themselves. what a joke.