Would You Support Using Food Stamps To Get Your Pup's Food And Treats?

In Mississippi, Edward B. Johnston Jr, 59, is petitioning the Department of Agriculture to allow him to use his food stamps to get his dog food and treats.

Johnston, like the rest of us, said that pets are part of the family and he wants the government to change the food stamp rules so low-income families can still provide for their pets. Sadly, experts say that the petition is unlikely to be successful. Still, it has garnered a lot of attention – around 80,000 people have signed it on the sit Care2. Some animal welfare organizations have noticed and are saying that food stamps could help keep thousands of animals out of the shelters.

Low-income families wouldn’t have to cut down on their pets’ meals either. President of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Matt Bershadker, said this could be life altering, and everyone should get behind it. As of right now, there is no federal program in place to help low-income families to continue to provide for their pets. The National Pet Owners Survey stated that American Pet Products Association conducted a poll and found that 14% of households that have pets make less than $25,000 per year, which is the poverty limit.

Vet bills are expensive, and pet food may cost a family $235 a year. If there is no pet food, sometimes the pet may get human food, which isn’t a good idea. There are charitable organizations around the country, but they are not able to meet the needs of all low-income families in their areas.

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