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Over 1,500 islanders have signed a petition which calls on the Government to reverse their decision to add GST to most online retailers.
Now that the petition has reached over 1,000 signatures, Ministers will have to respond.
Jean McDonald, the founder of self-funded animal rescue charity Freddy's Farm, began the petition earlier this week after new GST rules came into effect from 1 July.
Now, online orders of any value from retailers which have an annual turnover of at least £300,000 in Jersey sales, such as Amazon, will be subjected to the same 5% sales tax GST as high-street retailers.
The 'de minimis' threshold at which islanders pay GST on imported products – from smaller retailers – has also dropped from £135 to £60.
Mrs McDonald, however, said that GST should not be charged on orders that cost less than £60, from any retailer.
"At a time when costs for everything have gone sky-high, it's not right to do this," she said.
Pictured: Many islanders have reacted with shock and confusion to the new GST changes which will affect online shopping.
While charities are eligible to claim back GST, she said that herself and many friends who are pensioners were feeling stuck.
"We have to buy off the island for our animals, because we can't afford to buy locally." said Mrs McDonald.
"From Amazon, we buy pallets of feed for the cats and dogs, plus the supplements for one of our old horses who's got arthritis.
"I can buy sheep food for £11 a bag online. In the island, you'll pay over £20 for the same bag.
"They are trying to force people to buy local. If there was more choice and the pricing wasn't so over the top, then you'd be able to buy local, but you just cannot do it."
She added that the first time she heard that all Amazon orders would be charged GST was in a JEP article, despite the Government's claim that their media campaign was extensive.
Mrs McDonald said: "It might only be pennies to some people, but to us and to lots in the island, it's going to add up.
"With the way the prices are going with the animal feed, there's going to be a lot more looking for homes.
"We're under enough pressure and stress as it is without this."
At 5,000 signatures, the petition will be considered for debate in the States Assembly.
Islanders have until 3 January 2024 to sign Mrs McDonald's petition HERE.
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