Proposed Connecticut Cat Tax Sparks Outrage

Lawmakers in Connecticut are proposing legislation that would force cat owners to pay a tax to register their animals, drawing the ire of pet owners and advocacy groups alike.

Connecticut is proposing a potential tax on cats.
Photo Credit: *Contributed*

Zak Failla

03/14/2019 4:33 p.m.

This week, officers discussed Senate Bill 999, which would force pet owners to license their cats for up to a $15 fee. Republicans and some animal advocates have taken to calling the bill a “cat tax.”

Those in favor of the licensing fee argued that it would remind pet owners to have their animals spayed or neutered and would help make it easier for families to reunite with potentially lost pets.

The bill would reportedly bring in additional money to provide funds for municipal animal shelter, but those in opposition fear that the fees will reduce adoption rates and increase the number of animals that are forced to be euthanized.

The bill was introduced on March 5 and there was a public hearing on Monday, March 11. It is sponsored by the House Environment Committee. Similar legislation was proposed in 2017, but never made it past the General Assembly.

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