In its first year, a tax on registered dog and cat foods has generated more than $600,000, about $300,000 of which can be used for spay and neutering programs, according to the board coordinator, Jane Mallory. The board is dividing that amount into final recommendations for approval by Agriculture Secretary Earl F. Hance.

I assume the rest of the money will be used for administration costs including Ms. Mallory’s salary. Dog Fancy said consumers could expect to pay about 36 cents more for food pet pet each year, so this does not seem onerous.

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