AFIA manages legislative challenges to state-led animal welfare initiatives.

The article discusses how several states in the US have implemented or proposed subsidized programs to address animal welfare issues, such as neutering or rehoming companion animals. However, some of these programs involve increasing taxes on pet food manufacturers, which the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) believes is unfair. AFIA has worked to defeat several state bills that would impact the costs of purchasing pet food for all citizens. Instead, AFIA advocates for alternative funding methods, such as special license plates, voluntary tax form checkoffs, humane facility licensing, and private donations. The article also highlights specific examples of state legislation and the opposition faced by AFIA. It emphasizes the importance of finding voluntary means to address the needs of homeless pets and feral cats, rather than unjustly taxing businesses that are not responsible for these issues. [Extracted from the article]