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.
