Hawaii Senate Bill SR151

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/23
• Refer: 3/15/23
• Report Pass: 4/4/23
• Passed: 4/5/23

Caption

Requesting The Hawaiian Humane Society To Develop A Program To Assist Low-income Pet Owners Afford Emergency Care For Their Pets.

Impact

If implemented, the program requested by SR151 would encompass various financial assistance options for pet owners, such as no or low-interest payment plans and the absence of credit checks. This initiative aims to alleviate the burden on financially insecure families, allowing them greater access to necessary veterinary services without having to make difficult decisions about their pets' health. The overarching objective is to foster a supportive environment for pet ownership among low-income families, promoting better health for both pets and their owners.

Summary

Senate Resolution 151 (SR151) requests the Hawaiian Humane Society to develop a program aimed at assisting low-income pet owners in affording emergency veterinary care for their pets. The resolution highlights the numerous health benefits that pets provide to their owners, including companionship, which can alleviate issues such as loneliness and depression. However, the cost of veterinary care can be prohibitively expensive for low-income families, leading them to delay necessary treatments or incur significant debt to pay for emergency procedures. The resolution underscores the necessity for addressing these financial barriers to ensure pets receive timely medical care.

Contention

While the bill is positioned as a means to improve animal welfare, potential points of contention may arise around the sustainability and funding of such a program. Concerns could be raised regarding how the Hawaiian Humane Society will implement the program effectively and whether there will be enough resources to meet the demands of low-income pet owners seeking emergency care. Additionally, some stakeholders might question whether state involvement in such financial assistance programs is warranted or if it should be managed by private organizations or charities.

Voting_history

SR151 was passed unanimously by the Senate Agriculture and Environment Committee on March 29, 2023, receiving five votes in favor and none against. This strong support indicates a recognition of the importance of the issues addressed in the resolution. However, further discussions will be necessary to address the program's logistics and ensure its successful implementation.