Outrageous "Pet Tax" Bill Postponed Indefinitely Following Backlash
Less than a week after the introduction of a bill that aimed to create an online pet registry in Colorado, the sponsor of the legislation announced that it has been postponed indefinitely.
HB24-1163, which would have required pet owners to register their animals annually for a fee, faced significant opposition from the public, leading to its retraction.
Under the provisions of the bill, pet owners would have been required to pay an annual fee ranging from $8.50 to $25, depending on various factors.
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The purpose of the bill was to establish caregivers as a safety net for pets in emergency situations involving their owners. Additionally, the bill sought to provide first responders with information about aggressive pets in households.
State Representative Regina English, D - El Paso County, introduced the bill on January 31, citing the need for a pet contingency plan, especially for senior citizens. English explained that the idea came from a LifePet.Care pilot study. However, the draft of the bill, according to her, did not align with her original intentions.
In response to the bill, Representative English faced severe backlash from the public, with some even resorting to death threats. Recognizing the strong opposition and the unintended consequences of the bill, English decided to postpone it indefinitely on Sunday.
English clarified that the bill was never intended to burden or financially distress the people of Colorado. She expressed her commitment to putting the people of Colorado first and stated that she would rework the legislation to ensure it is more thoughtful and meaningful.
Janet Stephens, representing the Colorado Federation of Dog Clubs and Owners, Flatirons Kennel Club, and Colorado Springs Kennel Club, opposed the bill, arguing that it essentially established a tax on pet owners. Stephens believed that regulating pets should be a matter handled at the local level rather than the state level. She also expressed concerns that the additional expense imposed by the bill could deter pet adoption and potentially lead to more pets being surrendered to shelters.
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English emphasized that her decision to pull the bill was not a result of feeling pressured by the public backlash. Instead, it was a result of discussions with colleagues and a decision to focus on other policies she is sponsoring this year.
She acknowledged the learning experience and expressed her commitment to evolving into a better leader and continuing to represent the people of Colorado.
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