Going to the Dogs - Massachusetts New Taxes!
The Commonwealth, ever searching for the next dollar it can squeeze from those that work for a living, has a new plan to levy taxes and rules on Pet owners in the State, an additional Tax on Dogs. It is clearly one of the most ridiculous proposals to come out of that asylum known as the Massachusetts Legislature, in at least a week.
Senate Bill 186 commonwealth of Massachusetts (PDF). This Bill suggests that anyone having more than 3 or 4 dogs, have a kennel license or those who do not, may want to consider one. The suggested fees for each Town/Municipality will rise to $3 to $50 (for an intact dog) annually, $3 of which will be kicked back to the State. These fees, originally intended to help a spay and neuter program, only give only a portion of the sum collected to that endeavor. Additionally, the bill also includes fines for non-compliance to the Commonwealth, much like fees levied on taxpayers who cannot afford Massachusetts current bankrupt Health Care System. Perhaps the funds are needed to cover the growing cost of putting up homeless families in hotels (now at several million per month).
In today’s economy, the fact that the State is collecting an additional 25% on every item one purchases for one’s pet, and those that live on fixed incomes (the elderly particularly) and rely on their companions, this is the despicable added burden. One has to wonder what the Democrats (otherwise known as professional legislators, on Beacon Hill will do next? Tax one’s children?!
For those animal owners who want to voice an opinion directly to one of the Commonwealths Senators who made this General Law – contact information is locatedhere All 6 Republican Senators can be sent a thank you note.
In the interest of full disclosure – owner of three dogs. Max show in First Photo
Camilla
Oscar
