On January 1, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s office released an outline for the 2009-10 State Budget which proposes to broaden the state sales tax to include “appliance and furniture repair, vehicle repair and veterinarian services effective March 1, 2009.”

First, it is inhumane and beyond all reason to lump the healthcare of family pets or any living animal together with repairs of refrigerators, couches and car engines. Adding nearly 10% to the cost of vet bills during these tough economic times can only result in helpless animals, who depend upon humanity for their care and feeding, having to endure unnecessary suffering. With so many people already losing their homes, many pets are also losing not only their homes but their families who can no longer care for them.

What can YOU do?

Passage of the Governor’s proposed Budget, including the veterinary tax, will require a two-thirds vote in both the State Assembly and Senate.

Please contact the Governor as well as your legislative leaders in both houses and demand they reject the Governor’s sales tax proposal on veterinary services. CLICK HERE to link to The California Veterinary Medical Association’s site where you can enter your zip code and obtain the contact information for your district.

Contact everyone you know and ask them to help.

Hurry! Act NOW! The animals are running out of time. Don’t let them down.