Proposed Tax on Pet Products

If we follow the line of reasoning argued in the article, a tax increase on pet food and items, the obvious result will be a similar increase in the number of animals in shelters. A tax on luxury items would be equitable. But a tax on pet food would be so counterproductive that I can’t believe it’s even being considered.

Not once is there mention of controlling the numbers of animals, other than a cursory allusion to the spay/neuter clinics. You control the numbers by controlling those who breed this vast collection of hapless animals! The ones who profit from this lucrative breeding industry should be taxed so heavily that only the most caring, careful and expert breeders will survive.

Those of us who have a genuine love and concern for these tragic little creatures have tried in numerous ways to institute some regulation on backyard and commercial breeders. The result? Screams, loud and clear, about infringement on their precious freedoms. Well, I’m damn sick and tired of governing bodies ignoring my freedoms--freedom from being haunted for 25 years by the faces of thousands of precious animals that I’ve had to see die because the greedy breeders have, without interruption, practiced their nefarious trade.

CHRIS LAIRD

San Jacinto