August 29, 2009 — Reaction today was swift and vocal to a little known clause in the Obama Administration’s proposed Health Care and Insurance Reform Act of 2009 that will extend universal health care to pets. Under the measure, pushed through at the last minute by the immensely powerful PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) lobby, veterinary care coverage would be fully subsidized by federal tax dollars. As a result of the announcement, a three-way squabble has erupted between fiscal conservatives, animal rights groups and pro-human organizations.

Health and Human Services officials found themselves scrambling to clarify who would be eligible for the controversial Pet Health Insurance Program, or PHIP. The program would allow states to use federal funds to cover veterinarian visits, preventive care, neutering — even hairball extractions.

More details as this truly unbelievable story develops….