The Humane Society of Canada Denied Appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada

As reported by the Toronto Star, the Humane Society of Canada for the Protection of Animals and the Environment, a charity led by Toronto’s Michael O’Sullivan, will not get a chance to stave off impending revocation of its tax-free status with an appearance before the country’s highest court.

This means the Canada Revenue Agency can proceed to revoke the organization’s charitable status and they will no longer be able to issue tax receipts for donations.

According to the Star, among the expenses flagged by the auditors examining the charity’s 2006 income tax return were: $27,000 in superhero-themed comic book purchases; $22,000 in meals eaten mainly in Toronto; a $4,000 O’Sullivan family trip to Disneyland in California; $1,800 in alcohol; and a $67 charge at LaSenza Girl lingerie store.

In a release from the Humane Society of Canada, Michael O’Sullivan states, “The HSC is disappointed, but not defeated. We will not be deterred by a few rogue bureaucrats, or a couple of reporters on an unfair personal crusade. We will fight on."

Read the whole story here:
Top court puts Humane Society of Canada on borrowed time
Humane Society of Canada in dogfight to keep tax free status

Veterinarians Fight Taxing of Veterinary Medical Care

Veterinary practitioners in North Carolina and Connecticut are fighting legislative attempts to tax veterinary medical care. Currently, only three states apply sales tax on veterinary medical services; Hawaii, New Mexico, and South Dakota.

The North Carolina General Assembly is potentially taxing veterinary services. If the provision passes veterinary services in North Carolina would be taxed at 4.75%. Individual counties are also able to charge tax on veterinary services up to an additional 2.75%.


The North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association (NCVMA) is asking people to contact state legislators regarding the tax increase. NCVMA states, “Your voice can make a difference in preventing this proposal from adversely impacting not only the health and welfare of North Carolina’s animals, but its citizens, as well.” NCVMA is also providing a letter for people to send. The letter states that many owners will not be able to afford the tax and this would increase pet negligence, abandonment, and euthanasia.

Dr. Karen Miller said, “We already realize that the cost of veterinary care is a major reason that dog and cat owners don’t visit their veterinarian as often as they should. This increases euthanasias, unwanted pregnancies, overpopulation of dogs and cats, pet neglect and abandonment and shelter overcrowding. A tax on these services will only make the problem worse and a snowball effect will ensue.”

“Veterinary care is medically necessary for its patients just as human health care is for people. Veterinary care should not be discriminated against,” adds Miller.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE