The suggestion in the title might cause uproar among aspiring cat owners but the discussion is reasonable. It is worth a look. Even if one is a cat lover and owner, it is fair to say that there is a problem with cat ownership and cat domestication across the world and we have to be big enough to face it and be realistic. That said Brits are already taxed to the nines. I think Brits pay more tax now than ever before.
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Ross McNally writing for Sussex Bylines suggests that cats should be taxed “to see decreases in the ownership of dogs and cats, which may be partly incentivised by the measures proposed above [a tax on cats].”
He makes some good points. I am a cat lover and cat caregiver like millions of others. Suggesting that cats are taxed does not mean that I don’t like cats. It means that there are possibly too many domestic cats. There was a step increase during and after the pandemic.
Many adoptions were for self-indulgent reasons and many dogs and cats were surrendered to shelters after the craze of pet adoptions cooled.
We must throw into the equation feral cats; the result of irresponsible cat ownership. What’s the environmental burden of feral cats? A lot but unquantified.
Note 1: at the base of the article there is section on VAT (Value Added Tax) on animal shelter adoption fees. Note 2: my thanks to Google Gemini for a lot of this information.
How it would work
Cat owners would need a license in the same that dog licenses were issued in the UK in the past. I’d suggest a one-off payment of £30. Dog licences – first introduced in the Victorian era – were scrapped in 1987 in England, Scotland and Wales after they began to be seen as an unnecessary anachronism. It might be time to bring them back.
Too many pets?
The suggestion is that in the UK and perhaps in other countries there are too many cats and dogs. But how do we know there are too many? What is the standard? There is no standard. But we know that there is a need to better protect the environment. That goal alone might make the suggestion of a ‘cat tax’ more palatable.
Environmental impact of pet ownership
Cat and dog ownership, while bringing companionship to many, does come with a surprising environmental impact. Here’s a breakdown of the key areas of concern:
- Pet Food Production: This is considered the biggest culprit. Meat-based pet food production involves livestock farming, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions through land use changes and animal methane. A study suggests pet food in the US alone generates CO2 emissions comparable to millions of cars.
- Cat litter waste: The production of cat litter causes environmental damage as does its disposal. Millions of tons of cat litter are used annually.
- Packaging Waste: Disposing of single-use plastic packaging from pet food and waste bags adds to landfill waste and potential plastic pollution.
- Cat Predation: Outdoor cats can significantly harm wildlife populations by hunting birds and small animals, impacting ecosystems.
Here are some things to consider:
- Impact Varies: The environmental footprint of a pet depends on factors like size, breed, and diet. Smaller pets and those on plant-based food have a lower impact.
- Sustainable Choices: Sustainable pet food options are emerging, and responsible pet waste disposal can minimize environmental damage.
Overall, while we love our furry companions, being mindful of these environmental impacts can help us make more sustainable choices for our pets.
Tell me about the environmental damage of cat litter substrate, its mining and disposal
Cat litter, while convenient for keeping our feline friends happy indoors, can contribute to environmental issues throughout its lifecycle, from mining the substrate material to disposal. Here’s a breakdown of the environmental concerns:
Mining Impact:
- Clay Litter: This popular type of litter is often strip-mined, which can disrupt ecosystems and cause habitat loss. The mining process can also lead to:
- Soil Erosion: Removal of vegetation exposes soil to wind and water erosion, impacting surrounding areas.
- Air and Water Pollution: Dust from mining activities can pollute the air, while runoff from mines can contaminate nearby water sources.
- Silica Sand Litter: While sometimes marketed as sustainable, silica sand mining can also disrupt habitats and contribute to dust pollution.
Disposal Issues:
- Landfill Burden: The vast majority of cat litter, clay and silica-based alike, ends up in landfills. This non-biodegradable waste takes up significant space and doesn’t decompose, putting a strain on landfill capacity.
- Potential Toxins: Clay litter can contain harmful chemicals like bentonite, which may not break down completely in landfills and could potentially leach into groundwater.
Additional Considerations:
- Clumping vs. Non-Clumping: Clumping litters often contain additional chemicals to facilitate clumping, potentially adding to environmental concerns during production and disposal.
- Limited Recycling Options: While some scooping litters can be composted, this is often not recommended due to potential parasite risks and concerns about lingering odours. There are some developing efforts for recycling used cat litter, but these options are not yet widely available.
Looking for Sustainable Solutions?
- Sustainable Litter Options: Emerging options like recycled paper pellets or plant-based litters can offer a more sustainable alternative by using recycled materials or biodegradable components.
- Reducing Litter Waste: Techniques like scooping regularly and using a high-quality litter that requires less frequent changes can help minimize overall litter usage.
By understanding the environmental impact of cat litter and exploring sustainable options, cat owners can make more responsible choices for their feline companions and the planet.
Increase in pet ownership
The UK saw a significant surge in pet ownership during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s a breakdown of the key trends:
Rise in Pet Acquisition:
- Numbers: Statistics show a substantial increase. Ownership levels peaked at an unprecedented 62% of households in 2022, compared to a pre-pandemic range of 45-47%. This translates to millions of new pets welcomed into homes.
- Triggers: Increased time spent at home due to lockdowns and social distancing likely fueled the desire for companionship and routine, leading people to adopt or buy pets.
Sources of New Pets:
- Rescue and Breeders: Both shelters and breeders saw a rise in applications and purchases during the pandemic. Battersea Dogs & Cats Home reported a 53% increase in rehoming applications in 2020.
Types of Pets Acquired:
- Dogs Lead the Way: Dog ownership witnessed the most significant rise. The PDSA PAW Report 2022 indicates a 70% increase in people owning one dog compared to pre-pandemic levels [3].
Post-Pandemic Trends:
- Slight Decline: Pet ownership dipped slightly in 2023 to 57%, possibly due to returning to workplaces and changing lifestyles.
- Long-Term Impact: It remains to be seen if ownership levels will settle at a higher point than pre-pandemic times.
Challenges Posed:
- Post-Pandemic Care: Some pet owners might struggle to manage their pet’s needs with returning work schedules, leading to potential rehoming.
- Financial Strain: Rising costs of pet care, including food and veterinary services, can put a strain on owners’ finances.
Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted pet ownership in the UK. While it provided companionship during a challenging time, responsible pet ownership and planning for long-term care remain crucial considerations.
Importance of pet ownership
We know how important cats and dogs (and other companion animals) are to millions in most if not all countries of the world. Their presence improves lives. But we have to do better in improving caregiving standards. Every feral cat is a failure in cat caregiving. Every stray dog is a failure in dog caregiving.
If governments can’t improve the standards of pet caregiving the answer might be to reduce the number of pets through a cat and dog tax. For dogs this would be harking back to a dog license. Dog licensing is a form of tax.
In which countries are dog licenses mandatory and give examples of cost.
Dog licensing is mandatory in many countries, but not all. Here are some examples:
- Europe: Many European countries have mandatory dog licensing or registration schemes. Examples include:
- Germany: Owning a dog requires a license, with costs varying by region but typically around €100 annually [source needed].
- Ireland: Dog licenses are compulsory with fees around €20 per year [source needed].
- Netherlands: Dutch law mandates dog ownership registration, with costs depending on location and factors like neutering status (often around €75-€100 per year) [source needed].
- Other Regions: Dog licensing is also mandatory in some other parts of the world, such as:
- Australia: Most Australian states and territories require dog registration, with fees varying by location and breed (often between $50 and $200 annually) [source uncertain].
- New Zealand: Dog ownership necessitates registration, with costs depending on location and neutering status (often around $60- $80 per year) [source uncertain].
- India: While there’s no national law, many Indian cities require dog registration with local authorities (fees can vary but are generally lower than western countries).
Important to Note:
- This is not an exhaustive list, and specific regulations and costs can vary within countries and even between local municipalities.
- Some countries, like the United States, have dog licensing requirements at the state or local level, not nationally.
- It’s always best to check with your local authority to determine if dog licensing is mandatory in your area and what the associated fees are.
Do animal shelters in the UK charge VAT when paying the adoption fee?
In the UK, whether an animal shelter charges VAT on adoption fees depends on their registration with the HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs) for VAT purposes. Here’s the breakdown:
- Most Shelters as Charities: Many animal shelters in the UK operate as charities.
- VAT and Charities: Charities generally don’t charge VAT on their core activities, which can include animal rescue and rehoming.
However, there are some nuances:
- VAT Registration: Some charities, especially larger ones, might choose to register for VAT. This allows them to reclaim VAT they pay on their own expenses (like food and vet bills for animals). If a shelter is VAT-registered, they might charge VAT on adoption fees, but this wouldn’t be typical for smaller shelters.
- Nominal Fees: Even unregistered charities might ask for a small adoption fee to cover basic costs associated with the animal. This fee is usually not considered a sale of goods or services for VAT purposes.
Recommendation:
- The best way to find out for sure is to directly contact the animal shelter you’re interested in adopting from. They can clarify their VAT status and any associated fees with adoption.
Here are some resources that might be helpful:
- HMRC on VAT and Charities: https://www.gov.uk/vat-charities
