It’s something all pet owners buy, pet food. But it could soon cost you some extra cash.
Two New Mexico lawmakers are sponsoring a bill that would increase commercial pet food registration fees to $100 dollars per product each year. Right now, it’s just $2. Meaning pet owners could have to spend more cash on pet food to cover the registration increase if distributors and stores raise prices.
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The tax would help money-strapped pet owners pay for spay and neuter services every year as well as help combat overpopulation and euthanizing pets.
“The problem with the tax is it's going to push a lot of people to buy more online rather than shopping locally and I feel that's a huge determent,” said Norm Shrout with Long Leash on Life. He said he could lose business, customers and could scare distributors.
Most pet owners are in favor of the tax, but others said they do not want to pay more for dog food. Instead they want lawmakers to tax luxury items like alcohol or cigarettes to fund spay and neuter.
