Pets

douglas9

(4,358 posts) Wed Jan 24, 2018, 10:32 AM Jan 2018

The surprising argument for extending food stamps to pets

Edward B. Johnston Jr. would rather give his dinner to his dog than watch the dog go hungry. That is why the 59-year-old Mississippi man is petitioning the Department of Agriculture to let him use food stamps on kibble and pet treats.

Pets are part of the family, Johnston argued, and families should not have to break up when they hit what he calls a “financial rough patch.” He is asking that the federal government modify food-stamp rules to make it easier for low-income people like him to buy food for their pets.

The petition has little chance of succeeding, experts say, given the political and logistical challenges of changing food stamps, otherwise known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. But it has attracted the attention of nearly 80,000 signers on the popular petition site Care2, as well as a number of animal welfare organizations.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2018/01/23/the-surprising-argument-for-extending-food-stamps-to-pets/?utm_term=.414ab502224d

5 replies

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The surprising argument for extending food stamps to pets (Original Post) douglas9 Jan 2018 OP

About a third of what we spend on groceries is for pet food. They still gather around the table at appleannie1943 Jan 2018 #1

I think it's a good idea, or something similar to this would be helpful. iscooterliberally Jan 2018 #2

Off to the greatest page with you! geardaddy Jan 2018 #3

I'd so much rather see my tax dollars go to feeding beloved pets than giving the fucking Walton catbyte Jan 2018 #4

AMEN!!! raven mad Jan 2018 #5

appleannie1943

(1,303 posts)

1. About a third of what we spend on groceries is for pet food. They still gather around the table at

Reply to douglas9 (Original post)

Wed Jan 24, 2018, 10:37 AM

Jan 2018

supper time knowing full well that the last bite is theirs.

iscooterliberally

(2,860 posts)

2. I think it's a good idea, or something similar to this would be helpful.

Reply to douglas9 (Original post)

Wed Jan 24, 2018, 11:36 AM

Jan 2018

It would make it easier for low income people to have pets too. This might help get some of the homeless pets out of our shelters. Especially in areas where the shelters are over crowded.