Republican Congressman Thaddeus McCotter has introduced well-meaning legislation that is certain to tug at the heartstrings of animal lovers.  H.R. 3501, the ‘Happy Act,’ would provide pet owners a tax deduction of up to $3,500 annually for pet care.The deduction is not available for pet acquisition costs, but is intended for veterinary and other pet care costs.  Yet one of the sponsor’s stated reasons is that, due to the economy, pet shelters are overcrowded.  People losing jobs and even having to abandon homes result in many abandoned pets.  Congressman McCotter believes the deduction would encourage pet adoption by loving owners.  Maybe; maybe not.I have six rescued dogs, three rescued cats and three rescued ponies, and I oppose this bill.  First of all, the tax code is already too filled with social engineering provisions.  Secondly, I don’t see a ‘Pet Clause’ in Article I of the Constitution. I worry about the...(Read Full Post)