Massachussets Govenor Signs Bill Banning Devocalization of Dogs and Cats
Published April 25, 2010
In March, 2010, I wrote a blog item lauding the State of Massachusetts' House of Representatives for their pioneer action by passing the pending bill, H.B. 344, concerning the devocalization of dogs and cats. It was then sent on to the Senate for further action.
On April 1, the Massachusetts Senate courageously passed HB 344, ignoring the major efforts and protests filed by the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association. Following the Senate passage, Thursday, April 22, Massachussets Governor Deval Patrick signed the bill into law. More than 200 veterinarians statewide, animal shelter workers and animal behavior experts all endorse Logan's Law.
So it gives me great pleasure to announce that this humane and urgent bill aimed to protect both species has finally become State law. These surgeries are now legally banned unless there is a compelling medical condition which requires a veterinarian to perform the procedure in order to save the animal's life.
The bill named "Logan 'Law" honors the show dog devocalized by his breeder, who subsequently gave him up when he no longer was winning blue ribbons
Leslie Burg, founder and spokesperson of the Friends of the Plymouth Pound rescued Logan, who relentlessly wheezed, rasped and gagged due to having undergone this "convenience" surgery. Ms.Fitzpatrick said, "Logan did nothing to deserve this. His vocal cords were cut for his breeder's selfish best interest, so she could run her business in a residential neighborhood."
According to Leslie Burg, spokesperson for the Coalition to Protect and Rescue Pets, devocalization surgery is not uncommon and breeders frequently opt to have their dogs devocalized, even without complaints from neighbors or law authorities. They enjoy the profits of selling dogs, but do not want to deal with their noise. Some sled-dog hobbyists and show dog exhibitors resort to devocalizing their animals as well. Ms. Burg added, "Of the hundreds of devocalized dogs our volunteers have encountered or learned about since we filed this bill 15 months ago, only a handful were ordered devocalized by pet owners. Nearly all the devocalized dogs were kept in groups for profit or hobby, then given up when no longer useful to the owner. Some cats are devocalized too."
Watch the compelling video uploaded to YouTube by Enlightenment1, which clearly and explicitly demonstrates the importance of the final passage of Logan's Law, a major contribution which will positively affect the welfare of dogs and cats in Massachusetts. Hopefully with the passage of this bill, other states will follow the humane and compassionate legislation the state enacted.
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Photo: Siberian Sled Dogs: Wickipedia
Shortly after retiring as a social worker and psychotherapist, I discovered my "writer's voice"…
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Comments (6)
Its not the dog it is the owners who do not consider the needs of their dogs. Be responsible for your canine friend. This is not shake and bake.Train or supervise your dog or give it to someone who will.
This ban should be nationwide, as should laws with stiff penalties which require dog owners to be responsible for their dogs behavior. Sad that we would need such laws, but needed they are to protect the dogs, other animals and people.
I am vehemently against declawing cats snd devocalization of dogs (and any other surgeries performed for the dog or cat owner's convenience or ego). I am also a victim of negligent dog owners who allow their dog to bark almost continually, day & night. This is no good for me and no good for the dog. This barking has ruined my life but I know it's not the dog's fault that his owners are ignorant and neglectful, and the dog should not be punished because of it, his people should.
Dogs bark, but a responsible dog owner will train the dog, supervise the dog, and provide the dog with everything he/she needs so it doesn't have to bark all the time about being neglected.
Agree with Skylark, above...and am very glad this bill has passed, regarding cats, whose voices generally don't bother anyone. As for dogs, though, it's different -- anyone who's had to endure the seemingly endless and very annoying barks of dogs would know it's very irritating! and since laws in many areas do little or nothing to encourage dog people to control their animal's incessant barking, what else could be done?
People can train their dogs or give up their dogs. That's what else can be done. If your life is in crisis, training the dog is perhaps not a priority. Yet the dogs are often the "canary in the mine" of your family. Their behavior often reflects changes in the family dynamic and their voice is their strongest "safe" tool. You cannot legislate love. If you ban debarking (and I understand and agree with the premise) there will be fewer dogs kept in marginal homes. (Which might also be a good thing, but in the short term, there will be more dogs in shelters, and I hope they are not killed for space, or euthanized because they are deemed "unadoptable.")
God created most living things with a voice. Even some we never think about. I think this is a great law and should be inforced in all states. I have a little Shih Tzu that watches T.V, and every time an animal comes on, he barks like crazy. But we are working on that, and permanently silencing him has never been in question.
We need to call this by what it is...animal cruelty. If the people who protest and lobby to outlaw declawing cats would get behind this act of cruelty, just think how far it would go! Logan's Law should be just the first step to outlawing this heinous practice.
It is wonderful that this law has passed. Wouldn't it be wonderful if all states had this law. Having said that I have to also say that there have been days when I so wished to silence the neighborhood dogs that constantly bark 24/7. I know that the problem with their barking is not them but the owners. We have a Great Dane breeder next door and two other breeders of big dogs within a 1/4 of a mile. The Standard Poodles are good and well trained and the minute they start barking they are silenced by a quiet command from the owner. The Irish Setters however wear "Bark" collars. These are laughable as the dogs do not bark. They have found out that if they "Yodel" they can make tons of noise anyway. A bit of training would quiet the neighborhood. I do know one thing....I would never wish a debarking on a dog. I cannot imagine anyone wanted to de-meow a cat. Thanks for a great article. I am passing a link on to friends who have dogs.