Ever wondered what five years more of Labour would be like? Well we now hear that Gordon Brown is proposing a new tax on dog owners. Well, as the saying goes, I hope the dog eats the tax bill.....
For more details see below:
The proposed tax would apply to all dogs – including poodles and chihuahuas. The Government has announced a consultation which includes proposals to compel all dog owners to pay for compulsory third party insurance to be allowed to own their own dog. Families would face “penalties” - fines or criminal sanctions - for breaching this requirement.Whilst, it is possible for dogs to be exempted from the ban, owners must have their dogs neutered, muzzled and obtain third party insurance.
What is even more bizarre is that In practice, this ‘dog tax’ would not affect the owners of the most dangerous dogs as The Dangerous Dogs Act already bans the ownership and sale of fighting dogs like pit bull terriers. Owners of dangerous dogs which are already illegal are unlikely to take out such insurance as they will just continue to defy the law.
There are an estimated 5.4 million households with dogs across England and Wales, including up to 8,829 homes across Harlow and some 13,381 in neighbouring Epping Forest who would be required to pay a compulsory dog tax. Although some homes may already have pet insurance, the poorest homes will be hit the hardest by the new levy.
The Government has admitted this dog tax may result in more stray dogs and greater pressures on dog rescue centres. As always, Gordon Brown sees tax as the solution to every problem. His plans for a dog tax will penalise almost 9,000 households of law-abiding dog lovers across Harlow and do nothing to target irresponsible dog owners. I fear this will hit the poorest homes the hardest.
We need tougher laws against the growing problem of dangerous dogs being used in acts of violence. But it is a sledgehammer to crack a tin of Pedigree Chum to impose a dog tax on a poodle.
Lets hope the dog eats the tax bill!
The proposed tax would apply to all dogs – including poodles and chihuahuas. The Government has announced a consultation which includes proposals to compel all dog owners to pay for compulsory third party insurance to be allowed to own their own dog. Families would face “penalties” - fines or criminal sanctions - for breaching this requirement.Whilst, it is possible for dogs to be exempted from the ban, owners must have their dogs neutered, muzzled and obtain third party insurance.
What is even more bizarre is that In practice, this ‘dog tax’ would not affect the owners of the most dangerous dogs as The Dangerous Dogs Act already bans the ownership and sale of fighting dogs like pit bull terriers. Owners of dangerous dogs which are already illegal are unlikely to take out such insurance as they will just continue to defy the law.
There are an estimated 5.4 million households with dogs across England and Wales, including up to 8,829 homes across Harlow and some 13,381 in neighbouring Epping Forest who would be required to pay a compulsory dog tax. Although some homes may already have pet insurance, the poorest homes will be hit the hardest by the new levy.
The Government has admitted this dog tax may result in more stray dogs and greater pressures on dog rescue centres. As always, Gordon Brown sees tax as the solution to every problem. His plans for a dog tax will penalise almost 9,000 households of law-abiding dog lovers across Harlow and do nothing to target irresponsible dog owners. I fear this will hit the poorest homes the hardest.
We need tougher laws against the growing problem of dangerous dogs being used in acts of violence. But it is a sledgehammer to crack a tin of Pedigree Chum to impose a dog tax on a poodle.
Lets hope the dog eats the tax bill!
P.S. Talking of poodles reminds me that not so long ago, canvassing around Taylifers in Sumners, I met a magnificent large white poodle on the doorstep. I am pleased to say that the owner was a convert from Labour to the Conservatives, although I can't say which way the poodle voted, other than giving me a kind smile, despite having disturbed his peaceful Saturday morning.
by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com
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