San Francisco, Apr 1 2009: The San Francisco SPCA supports AB 233, presented by Assembly Member Cameron Smyth (R-Santa Clarita), to allow California taxpayers who adopt a pet from an animal shelter or rescue group to deduct the adoption fee on their state income taxes. The deduction will be made available from January 1, 2010 to January 1, 2015, and allows for a maximum deduction of up to $300 per year.
The SF/SPCA believes that this is a very enlightened approach to the problem of dog and cat homelessness in our State; it is estimated that 800,000 cats and dogs are abandoned each year in California, and local governments spend approximately $250 million annually on sheltering these animals. Moreover, with the current, severe economic downturn, and many people losing their homes or jobs, or both, increasing numbers of companion animals are being abandoned or surrendered to humane organizations. The passage of AB 233 will encourage people looking for a pet to visit their local shelter, or a rescue group. We are asking everyone to write to their representatives, or to Assembly Member Smyth, State Capitol, Sacramento, CA 95814, urging support for this important and sensible piece of legislation.