Legislation proposed to give rebates to those who adopt animals from municipal shelters.
[view:node_ad=5] Assemblyman Cameron Smyth, R-SantaClarita, has introduced Assembly Bill 233, which will provide a tax deduction,
allowing individuals to deduct the adoption fees of animals from local
government and non-profit animal shelters.
“Local governments in California are spending
upwards of $100 million sheltering animals each year,” said Smyth.
“Everyday we hear about people walking away from their houses, and in
many cases they are abandoning their pets as well.”
It is estimated that 800,000 dogs and cats are abandoned every year,
often leaving local governments to foot the bill for taking care of the animals
in local shelters. Smyth’s legislation seeks to relieve the
pressure on these facilities by encouraging individuals and families looking
for a pet to visit their local shelters.
The deduction created under AB 233 would be available starting January 1, 2010, and would be in effect for five years. Deductions for multiple
adoptions would be allowed, up to a total of $300 per year.
“Everyone is being squeezed in this economy,” Smyth
said. “Maybe a tax break will sway people to make the decision to
adopt.”