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.
No comments:
Post a Comment