No Imposed Tax of Veterinary Services in California!
- by: Daniella De La Cal, 2nd year veterinary student
- recipient: To Whom it May Concern
This is a petition in opposition to the proposed taxation of veterinary services to take effect on March 1, 2009. The tax is proposed to add 9% to all veterinary services, and will last one year.
We the undersigned hereby respectfully oppose the taxation of veterinary services in California, to take effect on March 1, 2009. There are several reasons as to why this proposal would detrimentally affect the lives of millions of pets and pet owners throughout the state, which are delineated here (and graciously suggested by our friends at the CVMA):
1. In this weak economy, animal owners are already making tough choices. Adding sales tax to veterinary services will force owners to make difficult choices about the health and welfare of their pets.
2. Pets are members of the family and an important source of companionship. This proposed tax could add approximately 9% to the cost of veterinary care. The result will be that many animals will not receive the medical care they need and they will be abandoned or euthanized.
3. Shelter populations are increasing beyond capacity as many Californians lose their homes to foreclosure. If people cannott afford to take care of their pets, they may be forced to abandon them to shelters, adding to the overcrowding and financial strain.
4. More than 800,000 cats and dogs enter California shelters every year at a cost to taxpayers of $275 million. As shelters become filled beyond capacity, more healthy animals will be euthanized adding to the emotional strain of shelter workers.
5. The public health and safety will be at risk. Veterinary care is essential to protecting the public from zoonotic diseases such as rabies and leptospirosis.
6. Food production animals require veterinary care. A lack of proper care would affect the public health. Also, a sales tax on veterinary services will increase the cost of food production which will ultimately be passed on to consumers further adding to the already high cost of food.
7. Veterinary medical care should not be taxed any differently than human medical care.
8. Veterinarians are clearly health care professionals and are subject to many of the same laws and regulations as other health care providers. Veterinary medicine should not be singled out for this tax.
9. It is an insult to the veterinary profession to compare veterinary medical services with appliance and furniture repair. Veterinarians endure rigorous schooling which is equally comparable to human doctors, and their craft should be treated with equal respect.
10. It is not right for our beloved pets to suffer because of the state's financial problems. This proposal would punish the very population that is already working extra hard as a result of mistakes made in legislation.
These statements are backed with the passion that millions of Californians hold for our helpless companions. Please take into consideration the wishes of the population of your state and do what is ethically just. Thank you for your time, and please vote against the taxation of veterinary services in California.
Sign PetitionSign Petition1. In this weak economy, animal owners are already making tough choices. Adding sales tax to veterinary services will force owners to make difficult choices about the health and welfare of their pets.
2. Pets are members of the family and an important source of companionship. This proposed tax could add approximately 9% to the cost of veterinary care. The result will be that many animals will not receive the medical care they need and they will be abandoned or euthanized.
3. Shelter populations are increasing beyond capacity as many Californians lose their homes to foreclosure. If people cannott afford to take care of their pets, they may be forced to abandon them to shelters, adding to the overcrowding and financial strain.
4. More than 800,000 cats and dogs enter California shelters every year at a cost to taxpayers of $275 million. As shelters become filled beyond capacity, more healthy animals will be euthanized adding to the emotional strain of shelter workers.
5. The public health and safety will be at risk. Veterinary care is essential to protecting the public from zoonotic diseases such as rabies and leptospirosis.
6. Food production animals require veterinary care. A lack of proper care would affect the public health. Also, a sales tax on veterinary services will increase the cost of food production which will ultimately be passed on to consumers further adding to the already high cost of food.
7. Veterinary medical care should not be taxed any differently than human medical care.
8. Veterinarians are clearly health care professionals and are subject to many of the same laws and regulations as other health care providers. Veterinary medicine should not be singled out for this tax.
9. It is an insult to the veterinary profession to compare veterinary medical services with appliance and furniture repair. Veterinarians endure rigorous schooling which is equally comparable to human doctors, and their craft should be treated with equal respect.
10. It is not right for our beloved pets to suffer because of the state's financial problems. This proposal would punish the very population that is already working extra hard as a result of mistakes made in legislation.
These statements are backed with the passion that millions of Californians hold for our helpless companions. Please take into consideration the wishes of the population of your state and do what is ethically just. Thank you for your time, and please vote against the taxation of veterinary services in California.
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