Possible new revenue-raiser: Let’s tax cats
posted at 10:04 pm on July 14, 2011 by Allahpundit
A late evening palate-cleanser. San Diego’s already thinking about a cat tax, to the tune of millions of dollars in new revenue if enacted. Granted, granted, it would technically be a registration fee, not a tax, but then that’s what The One said about the ObamaCare mandate and we all know the score there. With 80 million housecats in the U.S., at $25 a pop (the proposed San Diego rate), we could raise a cool $2 billion in new revenue, which would cover, oh, 23 hours of Medicare expenses. But that assumes, of course, that you could collect the money. As a potential future leader of the cat-tax resistance movement, let me assure Congress: If forced to pay, many in the kitty community would be ready to go “the full Snipes.” Not a threat. A promise.
Fun fact: San Diego already charges a dog tax, i.e. “license fee.” Ah well. I suppose the state needs to create a disincentive for choosing the inferior pet.
View more videos at: http://nbcsandiego.com.
Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
We pay $15 a year for a dog license tax (aka revenue) here in my small Ma. town, but cats are still free.
shanimal on July 14, 2011 at 10:07 PM
My town wanted to do this years ago and there was such an outcry that it was quickly dropped.
Keep your hands off my cats!
-Aslan’s Girl
Aslans Girl on July 14, 2011 at 10:08 PM
Good luck collecting that fee.
A Balrog of Morgoth on July 14, 2011 at 10:08 PM
Cats are not the rabies threat to the public that dogs are. There’s no good reason except greedy $$ grubbers to go after cat owners (pardon me, people owned by their cats).
-Aslan’s Girl
Aslans Girl on July 14, 2011 at 10:09 PM
They already (over-) tax cats like me. And I can’t wait to put Obama and company in the litter box come November 2012.
TXUS on July 14, 2011 at 10:10 PM
Now you’re just getting nasty.
yo on July 14, 2011 at 10:10 PM
Is it a one time fee or an annual “event”?
Cindy Munford on July 14, 2011 at 10:12 PM
Cats aren’t property, therefore no license nor tax required…
Personally, I think cat owners should pay the same as dog owners… Equal protection under the Constitution, you know…
////
Khun Joe on July 14, 2011 at 10:13 PM
er, only to beta males.
seriously though, wouldn’t PETA be against this? I mean how many poor little kittens will get drowned or won’t be adopted because of this stupid policy?
think of the kittens!
Firefly_76 on July 14, 2011 at 10:14 PM
Whoa there big fella, them’s fightin’ words.
TxAnn56 on July 14, 2011 at 10:14 PM
Charlotte, North Carolina has a dog “license fee” too. I think it is also $25, but can’t remember for sure because I just throw the notice out & refuse to pay it.
Dark Star on July 14, 2011 at 10:15 PM
Molon Labe?
The Persians didn’t have Benjamin Marauder air rifles.
Bishop on July 14, 2011 at 10:16 PM
Watch yourself, Allah.
Emily M. on July 14, 2011 at 10:16 PM
You trying to touch off a flame war?
KingGold on July 14, 2011 at 10:17 PM
Molon Kitteh
bitsy on July 14, 2011 at 10:17 PM
Love dogs more, but ain’t nothing wrong with cats. Their owners, well, a whole nother thing. ;-)
TXUS on July 14, 2011 at 10:17 PM
Any minute now I expect them to re-intorduce the window tax
batterup on July 14, 2011 at 10:19 PM
Dogs aren’t much of a rabies threat, but is there a public health issue in any tax that discourages people from owning cats? Cats must be one of the most effective ways to fight a rat population, esp in large cities.
bayam on July 14, 2011 at 10:19 PM
I say it’s high time the free-loading felines and their enablers pay up. Also the chipmunks who live in my backyard heartily concur.
cynccook on July 14, 2011 at 10:19 PM
Actually, cats can carry rabies too. In fact, I’ve read before that more rabies cases in the US come from cat bites than dog bites.
Emily M. on July 14, 2011 at 10:19 PM
Collecting this tax will be like….herding cats!
ba-dum-bum-chah
bitsy on July 14, 2011 at 10:20 PM
Are you sure you are not misunderstanding and this is not some kind of tax on prostitution? After all, they are trying to tax some pu55y. /
Sekhmet on July 14, 2011 at 10:20 PM
I read somewhere a long time ago that in Mass. a person cannot legally own a house cat. In an ownership dispute, the judge ruled a cat lives where the cat wants to live……period. No claims of ownership are legally recognized.
That could thwart the tax thieves on Beacon Hill, Boston.
FOWG1 on July 14, 2011 at 10:22 PM
Always knew you were a big-government kind of guy. Commerce Clause ftw, right?
malclave on July 14, 2011 at 10:23 PM
Actually in my neck of the woods, feral cats are the problem. Not dogs. And here’s a recent story of rabies-infected feral cats gone wild :-)
Firefly_76 on July 14, 2011 at 10:23 PM
I’m just glad that this thread is getting more comments than the Casey Anthony thread.
darwin-t on July 14, 2011 at 10:23 PM
Dogs have owners….cats have staff.
rockmom on July 14, 2011 at 10:24 PM
What’s the old Looney Tunes joke?
Bread and Butter Tax
Car Tax
House Tax
Carpet Tax
Tax Tax
KingGold on July 14, 2011 at 10:26 PM
in the words of zha zha gabore
keep your hands off my pussy
DrW on July 14, 2011 at 10:27 PM
Only because she didn’t kill her cat.
TXUS on July 14, 2011 at 10:27 PM
dramatic cat does not approve!
Is it time to make lol cat jokes yet?
batterup on July 14, 2011 at 10:29 PM
Yeah, tax the household kitty, please, please, you looney morons.
Speakup on July 14, 2011 at 10:31 PM
At HARP, we’re so ahead of the news curve it ain’t funny
Kini on July 14, 2011 at 10:31 PM
I wonder how many millions were spent in taxpayer $ this lil project.
Family Guy song – (swinging umbilical cord around) “I’m a trust fund baby.”
Coronagold on July 14, 2011 at 10:34 PM
Emily M. on July 14, 2011 at 10:19 PM
Yes, I know they can carry rabies, but I used the word “threat” because stray cats generally don’t go around biting people; dogs are a bigger threat for that which is why I understand the “license” for them.
-Aslan’s Girl
Aslans Girl on July 14, 2011 at 10:35 PM
batterup on July 14, 2011 at 10:19 PM
Shhhhh, don’t give “them” any ideas!
-Aslan’s Girl
Aslans Girl on July 14, 2011 at 10:37 PM
Forget about cats! There’s money to be made in gold–gold fish that is. I estimate that a nation-wide Gold Fish License would gross a neat $500,000. And the costs might not be as significant as you might think. Figure the need for 5,000 gold fish tax collectors at $100,000 per year and another $100,000 per for benefits, automobiles and expenses. That’s only $1 billion-quite cheap and definitely cost effective.
MaiDee on July 14, 2011 at 10:38 PM
Pussy.
You wouldn’t fight even if you had a chance to win the argument with dog owners.
Mcguyver on July 14, 2011 at 10:39 PM
we’ve already got that genius “fee” where I live in NC. I stood on principle and went full Snipes on it for a few years…. right up until I was going to be turned over to collections. I folded like cheap lawn chair.
dookphan on July 14, 2011 at 10:39 PM
The assault will never stop.
rrpjr on July 14, 2011 at 10:39 PM
Do these cats fly corporate jets?
RDE2010 on July 14, 2011 at 10:40 PM
A couple of questions about this cat license…
1. What dates will cat season run?
2. Is there a size limit, or a limit to the number that can be bagged?
malclave on July 14, 2011 at 10:42 PM
That’s not a fight you can win, so don’t even start.
Mad Dog on July 14, 2011 at 10:42 PM
If cats could vote, they would vote democrat.
Bishop on July 14, 2011 at 10:42 PM
Cat fight…!!
Mcguyver on July 14, 2011 at 10:43 PM
Bishop on July 14, 2011 at 10:42 PM
Nope. Cats are independent to the bone. They would be Republicans or Libertarians. They also hunt and provide their own dinners (if allowed out… though mine are strictly indoors), so they’d be supporters of the 2nd Amendment.
-Aslan’s Girl
Aslans Girl on July 14, 2011 at 10:45 PM
Tax the fat cats!
princetrumpet on July 14, 2011 at 10:48 PM
In Dallas its $7 per dog/cat unless it hasn’t been fixed, then its $30 per… $25 bucks is gouging
phreshone on July 14, 2011 at 10:58 PM
It’s not like we weren’t warned. Democrats told us they were going to go after the “fat cats.” We just didn’t know they meant literally.
Lizzy on July 14, 2011 at 11:03 PM
Lizzy on July 14, 2011 at 11:03 PM
LOL!
-Aslan’s Girl
Aslans Girl on July 14, 2011 at 11:06 PM
No taxation without representation – cats demand the right to vote!
DamnCat on July 14, 2011 at 11:08 PM
Chimney tax, toilet tax, moustache/beard tax – the possibilities are endless.
OldEnglish on July 14, 2011 at 11:12 PM
FOX Business: Efforts to Tax Your Pet Cat?
http://video.foxbusiness.com/v/1055014906001/efforts-to-tax-your-pet-cat/
StewartIII on July 14, 2011 at 11:32 PM
We should also tax the amount of sun a person allows to fall on their skin. There is only a limited amount of sun energy left from our precious star. NAMESTE!
But those who remain indoors should pay a new “indoors” tax on the energy they consume while indoors.
Their should be a HUGE tax rebate on killing one’s self as you are no longer a burden on society.
amend2 on July 14, 2011 at 11:47 PM
“Thousands of years ago, cats were worshipped as gods. Cats have never forgotten this.” –Anonymous
I just don’t think cats are going to stand for this. If they have to get a license, that would make them no better than…dogs.
Lizzy on July 14, 2011 at 11:50 PM
I am hard-pressed to think of very many things that aren’t taxed or incur fees by government…I believe even air is somehow taxed (pollution regulation/carbon credit stuff).
Where does it all go? Must be one of the greatest scams in Human history.
Dr. ZhivBlago on July 14, 2011 at 11:59 PM
Molon Labe
That is so funny I could not resist logging in and giving you big fat high
five27 pawprints, Allahpundit.RushBaby on July 15, 2011 at 12:14 AM
Keep yer greedy paws off my pussies!
What?
annoyinglittletwerp on July 15, 2011 at 12:26 AM
If cats could vote, they would vote democrat.
Bishop on July 14, 2011 at 10:42 PM
Mine lean toward anarchy.
///
annoyinglittletwerp on July 15, 2011 at 12:28 AM
Cat tax and no more incandescent lightbulbs. Man, they have the answer for EVERYTHING!
Oink on July 15, 2011 at 12:37 AM
And how are they supposed to know I have a cat? She was a stray. I saved the city money by taking her in and paying her medical bills.
Esthier on July 15, 2011 at 12:44 AM
I don’t know one cat that has a job or any investments or property. Don’t see how taxing cats will generate any revenue.
What moron thought this up?
hepcat on July 15, 2011 at 12:46 AM
/\—–/\
(|) (|)
= Y =
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIoLSUeh2bA&feature=related
c4 on July 15, 2011 at 1:00 AM
All fatcats must be taxed. Especially that one in the upper right.
John the Libertarian on July 15, 2011 at 1:31 AM
When I had cats, they stayed indoors and only ventured out onto the deck for some sun on occasion. How would the city know I even had them? The compliance costs in enforcing an asinine law like this would eclipse the revenue generated. Cats are a lot easier to conceal than dogs and far more likely to wander around as strays. Also, as noted above, the net effect of this will be that even fewer cats will be adopted and there are already millions of wayward kitties in need of a good home. More cats will have to be euthanized — why does the city of San Diego hate cats?
A better idea would be to tax stupidity. We could wipe out our debt and have plenty to spare in very short order.
NoLeftTurn on July 15, 2011 at 1:32 AM
This can’t be good for America’s health
Dollayo on July 15, 2011 at 1:35 AM
Thinking with used cat-sand for brains and an Ivy League degree, no doubt.
Feedie on July 15, 2011 at 1:43 AM
But the Democrats already refuse to pay taxes.
John the Libertarian on July 15, 2011 at 1:43 AM
A cat tax.
Old ladies and Allahpundit hardest hit.
trigon on July 15, 2011 at 2:10 AM
Thread winner:
Effin’ineffable!
Christien on July 15, 2011 at 2:17 AM
My old tom cat Mr. Peeve is sociable, talkative, but mellow. He tends to be dependent, so he’s not a libertarian. He’d likley vote moderate Republican. My younger female cat Ms Fly is a generally antisocial boderline psychotic who tends to sleep all day but sometimes goes nuts; she’d prolly vote Democrat if you could get her to focus an a ballot for long enough. Both cats are strictly indoor cats. Some cats come around looking for free food. Prolly Democrats….
BTW, this home is in San Diego county, not the city. If I was living in the city like I used to, I’d note that my cats never leave the house except on a leash; I’m not seeing how they’re a burden on society such that a tax would should follow.
apostic on July 15, 2011 at 3:12 AM
Dogs have owners.
Kittehs have staff.
We are the hired help and my diplomat-in-residence points out that we do not violate the treaty with their homeworld lightly. Really, do you want your curtains or don’t you? How about that sofa? Bookcase as convenient litterbox?
Dogs will protect you.
Cats will destroy all else around you if you go against our treaty obligations to them.
Your choice.
ajacksonian on July 15, 2011 at 6:43 AM
More Korean restaurants with 고양이 on the menu!
Annar on July 15, 2011 at 6:51 AM
Alah leads the revolt with the mantra of: “Don’t touch my pussy!”
Alden Pyle on July 15, 2011 at 7:01 AM
I have an idea–let’s tax Democrats! Then everyone will be happy.
zoyclem on July 15, 2011 at 7:29 AM
Well it makes sense for AP to like cats. Dogs recognize we’re the Alpha, Betas need an Alpha to follow…
The Livewire
Proud owner of a Professional Grief Chihuahua.
The_Livewire on July 15, 2011 at 7:58 AM
The only downside to this obvious attempt to right an obvious wrong and social injustice would be more worthless, irresponsible p-word owners letting their freakin’ kittehs run rampant outdoors, where they DON’T belong.
tree hugging sister on July 15, 2011 at 8:01 AM
Herding cats to the tax office
tomg51 on July 15, 2011 at 8:06 AM
I don’t think my cats are going to pay the bill. They’ll just have me pay the bill like all the other expenses in their lives.
patch on July 15, 2011 at 8:15 AM
First, under the Commerce Clause, you require every US citizen to purchase three cats from a private cat supplier. Then you levy a special on-time $20,000 tax on every cat. Presto! Deficit wiped out overnight!
Attention Nobel Committee: Please forward my Nobel Prize for Economics to Haiku Guy, c/o Hotair.com, PO Box 2012…
Haiku Guy on July 15, 2011 at 8:19 AM
Let them eat Fancy Feast!
shick on July 15, 2011 at 8:50 AM
Go ahead, start messing with cats. But remember this:
“A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn in no other way.”
~ Mark Twain
Uniblogger on July 15, 2011 at 8:57 AM
Tax cats for the wealthiest one purrcent?
Tresjin on July 15, 2011 at 9:00 AM
By the time the government thinks of every possible thing it can tax, we’ll all be eating cat chow.
I never paid the dog license fee when my beagle was alive. They never sent a bill, so I never paid it. No way will I pay a cat tax on a cat that never goes outdoors.
Beaglemom on July 15, 2011 at 9:34 AM
Here in Lincoln, Nebraska, we have a license fee of $15.00 per cat. If you don’t show that the cats’ rabies vaccine is up date to date, they will not issue the tags.
If you ignore this, Animal Control shows up at your door with a summons. Trust me, I know, I had it happen to me.
Gothguy on July 15, 2011 at 9:50 AM
Keep your hands off my pussy…
Kuffar on July 15, 2011 at 9:52 AM
No they carry other diseases. I have a friend who gardens. She is pregnant now and can’t garden because her neighbors let their cats run loose and they use her flower bed as a litter box – toxoplasmosis.
Salt Lake County Utah just did the same thing – all under the guise that “If we pick your pet up we know who to return it to”.
LL
Lady Logician on July 15, 2011 at 10:07 AM
Hands off my cat!
MarkT on July 15, 2011 at 10:08 AM
How would the government know I have cats? Would they force veterinarians to open their books and identify their clients?
If not, then it would be on the honor system, and since governments have no honor, I would not feel compelled to honor any such obligation voluntarily. You can come after me, but be warned…I taught my cats how to pull a trigger, and my dog is proficient with a switch-blade.
SKYFOX on July 15, 2011 at 10:43 AM
How about a goldfish tax?
PatriotRider on July 15, 2011 at 10:47 AM
Saying it like it is.
Aronne on July 15, 2011 at 12:01 PM
Cat tax fever!
Wasn’t that a song?
karl9000 on July 15, 2011 at 12:34 PM
No, that’s dogs. Which pet needs help and permission from their ‘government’ to take a dump? Which pet requires the leash-holding nanny-state? Which pet, when abused, will bow down and ask for more, against its own self-interest?
D is for Democrats and Dogs…C is for Conservatives and Cats.
James on July 15, 2011 at 2:21 PM
Little Lulu retired the trophy on this sixty years ago.
PersonFromPorlock on July 15, 2011 at 2:50 PM
Well after pondering this. I wonder if S/d does then infact aren they are acting as pimps . After all they makin people pay for PUSSY.
That is all carry on.
ColdWarrior57 on July 15, 2011 at 5:47 PM
But …. people actually like dogs!
Has anyone considered the inhumanity of this proposal cat-owners suddenly have an incentive to rid themselves of their felines?
I can see the plotting in the hallways now.
tom on July 15, 2011 at 7:53 PM
YUP. Government In Action.
As Ronald Reagan once observed, government’s position on anything is: “If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.”
A_Nonny_Mouse on July 15, 2011 at 10:18 PM