BOISE, Idaho — Pet loving drivers can now purchase a pet-friendly license plate thanks to the work of former representative Hy Kloc.
Kloc worked on the legislation for several years, sponsoring the law during his time in the legislature. Unfortunately, the bill fell short by a few votes. This year, with the sponsorship of Rep. Melissa Wintrow, Rep. Clark Kaufman, Rep. Jim Addis and Senator Van Burtenshaw and the support of Rep. Mike Moyle, Rep. Joe Palmer and Senator Kelly Anthon, the legislation passed. Kloc and Wintrow were among the first people to get the pet-friendly license plate.
“I stayed involved with this project when I left the legislature because there’s a serious lack of funding for low-cost spay and neutering. After so many years of work, it’s so rewarding to see this legislation finally take effect,” Rep. Kloc explained. “All of the money will go to help the animals who need it the most. That money will make a huge impact in how we deal with increasing animal populations in Idaho. I am so lucky that this bill was the product of a bipartisan effort. I feel very fortunate to have worked with these and other representatives on this project.”
The Idaho Humane Society has several spay and neutering programs through their Veterinary Medical Center for the local community, but will be ineligible for the funds. Instead, they are holding the proceeds from the sale of the plate in the Pet Lover's Fund, which will be distributed throughout the state to non-profit animal shelters, municipal shelters and 501(c)(3) animal rescue groups to assist low-income citizens with spay and neutering services.
“I am so grateful that Representative Kloc asked me to collaborate with him on this legislation,” Rep. Wintrow said. “This law is the perfect way to honor his legacy in office. Rep. Kloc has always worked so hard to protect our furry friends. He has helped to create a support system for the groups that do the hard work required to make sure every animal in Idaho has a high quality of life. I was one of the first people in line for the Pet-Friendly Plate because I like to know that my tax dollars are going to such an important program.”
To buy a license plate, you can go to the Idaho Transportation office and buy a numbered plate. If you want a personalized plate, you can order online here. A pet-friendly license plate will cost an extra $35 over your yearly registration fee.
“The Humane Society of the United States has assisted in passing license plate programs in other states that fund spay and neuter programs for low-income owners. I want to thank the Idaho Legislature for passing this bill, which will prevent the overpopulation of dogs and cats in our local shelters and rescue groups, assist those in our rural areas and cities who don’t have the necessary resources, and it will be funded by the citizens of Idaho who love their pets instead of putting a strain on our local city and county budgets,” said Lisa Kauffman, Senior State Director for Idaho and Wyoming, The Humane Society of the United States.
For a full list of all the new laws in Idaho, click here.
