Use Your Voice to Stop Devocalization of Dogs and Cats
A Video Introduction...
What can you do to help? A lot-in five minutes or less.
A MA state bill would ban the cruel practice of convenience devocalization, cutting a dog's or
cat's vocal cords only because s/he barks or meows a lot. Your voice is essential to pass it.
And a few quick, easy calls to your state legislators are all it will take.
Please act immediately!
FIRST find your state rep and senator (not those in DC):
Call until you can speak with an aide. Don't just leave a voicemail or send an email; it won't be read.
Identify yourself as a constituent, and say in your words, "I'm calling to urge your support for An Act Prohibiting Devocalization of Dogs and Cats, House Bill 344. This is very important to me."
Let your legislators know you will be following the bill closely.
Call back periodically to learn the status and reiterate your support. The legislative process is long; don't let legislators forget your concern.
About An Act Prohibiting Devocalization of Dogs and Cats, H.344
What is the bill's purpose? To foster responsible pet ownership by prohibiting painful convenience surgery. Devocalization would be allowed for medical necessity.
Who supports it? Save A Dog and humane organizations across MA, including: MSPCA, New England Federation of Humane Societies, Baypath Humane Society, Berkshire Humane Society, Boston Dog Rescue, Buddy Dog Humane Society, Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society, Friends of the Plymouth Pound, Marblehead Animal Shelter, MassPAWS, New England Society for Abandoned Animals, Northeast Animal Shelter, Standish Humane Society, Underdog ResQ, Kitty Connection, Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society, MetroWest Humane Society, Sterling Animal Shelter and Worcester Animal Rescue League.
Is devocalization risky? Whether the vocal cords are removed or "just" cut, the animal faces stress, pain and surgical risks. Plus, tissue often grows back, subjecting the animal to repeated surgeries-and owners to costs they may not be able or willing to absorb. That puts pets at another risk: for surrender or euthanasia. (Source: Humane Society Veterinary Medical Assn.)
Angell Animal Medical Center and other ethical practices will not devocalize for nonmedical reasons, because it is painful, risky and has no benefit for animals. Make sure your vet is among them-and supports this bill! Ask him or her to email a statement to cprpets@aol.com and copy you.
Does devocalization keep "noisy" pets out of shelters? No! They're given up same as any other. Some have been surrendered to MA shelters supporting this bill.
What does a devocalized animal sound like? The quality of the post-surgical is unpredictable. It can be wheezy like emphysema; screechy and shrill; hoarse or muffled like laryngitis. The animal also may cough or gag uncontrollably. "Bark softening" is a euphemism design to sanitize a cruel procedure. It does not exist in the veterinary literature. (Source: HSVMA)
What are the alternatives? Responsible pet ownership! In other words...
Some breeds are naturally noisy, others require a lot of exercise. Choose the right pet for your environment, lifestyle and noise tolerance.
Give your pet enough exercise, companionship and play: Bored, lonely dogs bark more!
Rule out medical reasons for "problem" barking/meowing.
Consult a behaviorist or trainer to resolve psychological triggers.
