Raise Revenue by taxing luxury pet food--and care for the poor.
The luxury pet food industry in the US claims $16 Billion in revenue, according to the Pet Food Institute. Approximately 18% of sales are for "wet" or "high moisture" foods (typically canned "premium"). This accounts for $2.88 Billion in sales. These are typically the luxury pet products. Our children are living in poverty--a full 18% of families--yet we turn a blind eye to indiscriminate consumption. Allow pet owners to spoil their pets, but tax it like the luxury it is--at 100%--raising $2.88 Billion in revenue ANNUALLY.
Feed and care for our poor.
Metric tons of Dog Food - (Wet) 661,261.4 (2009)
Metric tons of Cat Food-(Wet) 660,275.8 (2009)Source: Euromonitor International