North Carolina Senate proposes sales tax on pet care
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- There's a proposal for a new sales tax beginning this fall that local veterinarians say comes at the expense of pet owners and even livestock farmers.
The budget battle is brewing at the North Carolina State Legislature. It's focused on a Senate plan that would not only change the way sales tax revenue is distributed statewide, but also create a new tax on the services Dr. Erin Byrd offers at Paws at Play Animal Hospital in Raleigh.
"My biggest concern is not so much any effect that this has on my business," said Byrd. "My biggest concern is families not being able to get the care that they need and we risk different zoonotic diseases that come up."
The North Carolina Veterinarian Medical Association is urging customers statewide to call or write state lawmakers in an attempt to stop a new sales tax on services like pet care, pet grooming, and car maintenance.
"It's bothersome, in terms of keeping animals and pets healthy, veterinary medicine is considered less important than human medical care," said Byrd, emphasizing veterinarian services is the only healthcare service listed in the new sales tax plan.
The proposed sales tax is part of what Senate Republicans are calling a comprehensive economic development plan that would also provide balanced income tax relief for North Carolina families.
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are getting calls and emails from customers and veterinarians before a final vote.
State Representative Gale Adcock says while she can understand the need to make up for lost income tax revenue, she's also thinks there should be a "wait and see" approach to recent tax reforms.
"I understand the math part. I understand that you need to shift from one side to the other. That's a math issue, but you can't separate the human part of this," Adcock added.
The new sales taxes would take effect Oct. 1.
