Hello and many thanks to those who signed up, for your support and kindness.
I have read carefully the concerns that were raised and below are my replies.
1-Pets are a luxury, not essential.
Many people are taking pets from animal refuges, charities and shelters. Pet charities are inundated with animals that previous owners can no longer afford to keep. They take them from shelters not because they regard them as fashion items, but because they are kind, they love pets and they want to give them a better life. Recently a story circulated in social media about a dog being taken to the local pound hoping to get him to a safe place. But the dog was put down the same day along with two others, because there was no place left in the pounds and their efforts to find him another shelter failed. Most shelters are full. Many can no longer afford keeping their pets. Saying pets are a lifestyle choice and not helping people to keep their pets or take pets from shelters, means those animals will spend all their lives in small cages or will be put down. I understand some people will say that is ok. But I hope there are many others who think that is not ok. Kindness in looking after pets, should be encouraged. Many physical and mental benefits of pet ownership are outlined in many academic sources. They are links in the petition to those sources. Please visit them.
2- Do not have them if you can not afford them
Let's not forget it is not just about the individuals, it is about animals and their welfare too. Discouraging people who love pets and want to look after them but can not quite afford to, means hundreds of pets will not have a loving home, they will live all their lives in shelters or they will be put down. I have been in many refuges and they are doing their best to look after animals in their care. Because of the increasing amount of animals, they are kept several in one cage and the only activity they look forward to is the time when they are taken out to a bigger space for a walk and a short play. Day after day and month after month. It is not fair. Without enabling people to give them a home, those cages will be their only home, the alternative being to be put down. Please have a look at websites of pet charities, refuges, shelters etc. Please consider adopting if you can.
3- It is encouraging people to get more pets, they will be everywhere, neglected by cruel owners
The aim is to get Government's attention towards this important issue and get the conversation started. It is humane to help people to look after pets better and good from the animal rights point of view to provide a better life for pets. There will be a framework as with everything, a bit like child benefit. The amount of pets will be limited, eligibility for tax relief for pets will be determined and there will be provisos, like pets should be registered with a qualified vet etc. I believe all registered pets are examined by vets every 6 months. This will encourage responsible pet ownership.
4- What does Tax relief for pets mean? People will just have pets only to get money from Government
Currently the idea is asking Government to provide an additional tax allowance per pet (probably up to 3 pets living in the home and registered at a qualified vet) for tax payers through the self assessment income tax or tax code, that would reduce their overall tax liability limited to the base tax rate, as is done with the mortgage interest. Vet bills, insurance, pet food should be calculated to reduce the taxable amount.
5- It is individual choice and responsibility, no need for help
A rough equivalent would be people's opinion about private schools. Some people can afford it without any strain, which is great, others have to make a choice between holidays or a new car and private schooling and some can no longer afford it. There are also people who think private schools should be abolished.
For many pet owners, pets are members of their family, they love them, they want to keep them and they need a bit of help to do so. Others love animals but can not afford having them, so they need a bit of help to do so. In one of the links provided in the petition, it is shows that pet ownership can save billions to NHS as pet owners are physically and mentally in better shape, which is good for the society. Enabling people to enjoy the benefits of pet ownership while making sure pets are looked after well, means a healthier society and more pets leaving shelters and finding a loving home.
Many thanks