Massachusetts to Ban De-barking?

by Annie Hartnett · 2010-04-16 12:23:00 UTC
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In February, I wrote a post about de-barking, a surgery that muffles a dog's bark by cutting and partially removing the animal's vocal cords. The surgery can cause complications such as build up of scar tissue in the throat, making it difficult for the dog to breathe. At the time, a Massachusetts bill to ban the cruel practice was before the House of Representatives.

The bill has since been passed by the House 150-1. The Senate has also passed it, and the bill is now on the desk of Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick.

The overwhelming support for the bill from the House and the Senate is a good sign, but the Governor is still under pressure to veto the bill. Some breeders routinely de-bark their dogs.

The bill would allow for de-vocalization in cases where it is medically necessary. It would also ban the similarly cruel practice of cat de-vocalization.

The acclaimed MSPCA-Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston already refuses to perform non-medical de-vocalization. Their view is that "The responsible owner is willing to socialize and train a pet that is vocalizing excessively." Excessive barking is often the sign of a larger problem, such as boredom, anxiety, or depression. 

This bill could be a particularly inspiring victory as 15-year-old Jordan Star was the motivating force behind it. He first started a petition in his hometown of Needham, and eventually gained support from Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown.

Currently, New Jersey is the only state where the cruel surgery is banned. Attempts to ban de-barking have failed in Ohio and California.

If you live in Massachusetts please click here to e-mail Governor Deval Patrick and ask him to sign House Bill 344 to ban the de-vocalization of dogs and cats.

Photo Credit: perfectoinsecto

Annie Hartnett is a writer and animal advocate who has worked for several wildlife rehabilitation centers and environmental programs.
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