Senators Peter Courtney and Alan Olson feel that the citizens of Oregon deserve a tax break for adopting a dog or cat from their local shelter.
They have introduced Senate Bill 326 which would allow a tax credit of up to $100 for adopters who bring home a pet from one of Oregon’s rescue facilities.
UPDATE! Our last dog (and also one of our longest residents) Rosco was adopted tonight! That means you helped send every…
Posted by Willamette Humane Society on Saturday, February 11, 2017
“Pet adoption today looks a lot different than it did when I was a kid,” Sen. Courtney told 5 On Your Side News. “In the Salem area, adopting a dog from the Willamette Humane Society starts at $100 and can go up to $350. Kittens, which used to be given away free in front of grocery stores, are now available for adoption for $100.”
Although most shelters and rescue groups include services like spay/neuter surgery, microchip and basic vaccinations in their adoption fees, the senators acknowledge that there are several additional expenses that come along with welcoming a new pet into your home including registration, food and pet supplies.
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Posted by Willamette Humane Society on Wednesday, December 7, 2016
They believe that a modest tax return of no more than $100 is the least Oregon can do to repay the kindhearted citizens who choose to rescue a pet in need.
“By adopting from a shelter or rescue group, an animal’s life is being saved,” Courtney said. “A human’s life is made richer.”
Senate Bill 326 does have its detractors who feel that channeling any money at all towards a project like this would take away from important underfunded state issues like education. A work session on the bill will be held Wednesday February 15.
Click here to learn more about SB 326.
H/T to 5 On Your Side News
Featured Images via Facebook/Willamette Humane Society
