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HAPPY Bill for Pet Owners

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All of the talk and news of late has been about the healthcare bill on Capitol Hill, so I certainly hope that the “Happy Act,” sponsored by Representative Thaddeus McCotter of Michigan, doesn’t get buried like a bone.

The bill (HR 3501), known as the "HAPPY Act," was introduced in the House of Representatives on July 31, 2009. Officially titled Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years Act, it would allow taxpayers to deduct animal care expenses from their taxes up to $3,500 a year!

The fourth-term Representative from Livonia, Michigan explained his reasoning for the Happy Act by stating: "We've had reports of people having to turn in pets because of the economic recession," he said. "And when you think about the relationship between people and pets and the humane way that it helps people think, it seemed to me to be a good idea, and we dropped it in.”

Yes, there are thousands of bills introduced every year and most of them go nowhere. Then again, think of the number of pets in America. Anything that puts cash back in Americans' hands during the economic crisis is a good thing. Anything that helps promote our industry, increases sales, and helps animals is a great thing! If the bill gathers enough support, McCotter he says, it could actually go somewhere.

"Obviously, health care is on the front burner," McCotter said. "But when the time comes, if people are letting their members know they like it, they'd like to see them get behind it, I think that will be helpful in this instance."

I suggest putting your House of Representatives number on speed dial, as well as emailing, mailing letters, and gathering signatures on petitions of support for HR 3501 ASAP. Get HAPPY!

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