(Colorado Springs, Colo.) — A bill aimed at creating an online pet registry in Colorado has been postponed indefinitely less than a week after it was introduced. State representatives who supported the bill are now reacting after receiving death threats over the bill.
State Rep. Regina English, D-El Paso County, told FOX21 that the original idea behind the pet tax was inspired by concerns for seniors and their pets. HB24-1163 would create a measure to ensure that someone is designated as a pet's caregiver in the event that something happens to the owner, such as hospitalization or other emergencies.
“I can confidently say that this bill is dead,” said Representative English.
The proposed bill would encourage pet owners to designate a caretaker for their pet in case the owner is unable to care for the pet. If a designated caretaker cannot be found or refuses to take care of the animal, the pet will be taken to an animal shelter.
According to the bill, annual fees are set by businesses and cannot exceed:
- $8.50 per pet with designated caregiver
- $16 per dog or cat that is not spayed or neutered and has a designated caretaker.
- $25 per pet without a designated caregiver
The proposed fees are in addition to other fees and registrations currently required in each jurisdiction.
According to the bill, only first responders and the Department of Public Health and Environment would have access to the system.
“It was never our intent to cause economic hardship to the people of Colorado,” said Congressman English. “So the rhetoric and the hate that I received and the threats against my life behind a bill that I wasn't even happy with, I can't stand.”
The bill faced significant backlash less than a week after Congressman English introduced it.
“This wasn't a good bill in the state right now, and we can acknowledge that,” said Rep. English.
Duane Adams, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region (HSPPR), opposed the bill. He said he believes the bill essentially establishes a tax on pet owners, and that pet regulation should be done at the local level rather than at the state level.
“I have no idea where this bill came from or why it was brought forward,” Adams explained. “No one has told us about it, but we think the idea and the concept behind it has value. People should use this time to update their pet profiles.”
Currently, there are pet licensing requirements in the Pikes Peak region, and HSPPR said it worked with partner DocuPet to streamline this process.
“They can also go to their pet's profile page and list their veterinarian there,” Adams says. “This type of information is very important when we find a stray dog, and a microchip allows us to track it. Even if we are unable to respond, we know who to contact in an emergency. I am.”
HSPPR also believes the bill would have erected barriers to pet adoption because it is an additional cost. Rep. English said the bill won't pass this Congress, but there are plans to keep it going.
“The conversation will continue, and I hope we can build back on something better in a way that is less offensive to the people of Colorado,” said Congressman English.
The state lawmaker said the bill is a learning experience for her. She now plans to use this legislative session to focus on student mental health.
