Help Pass Landmark Devocalization Ban

From Kinship Circle

Tell Massachusetts Legislature to pass the ban on dog devocalization, de-barking surgery. Irrespective of a vet's experience or how vocal cords are cut, the surgery poses risks from massive infection to aspiration pneumonia, difficulty swallowing and even death.

CONTACT

Direct contact by MAIL will be the most effective.

Massachusetts House Speaker Robert DeLeo
State House, Room 356
Boston, MA 02133

INFORMATION

An Act Prohibiting Devocalization, H. 344 would ban devocalization in Massachusetts. The bill is sponsored by Coalition to Protect and Rescue Pets, an unfunded, volunteer network of animal caretakers and compassionate people. It is endorsed by the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Assn., more than 200 Massachusetts vets, and many animal shelters statewide.

However, powerful lobbies that profit from devocalization want to kill the bill: Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Assn., the American Kennel Club-affiliated Mass. Federation of Dog Clubs...and others. Without your voice, animals will continue to be robbed of theirs.

SAMPLE LETTER/TALKING POINTS:

Dear Speaker DeLeo:

I urge your full support for An Act Prohibiting Devocalization, H.344. I hope you will ensure it becomes law soon, without amendments that enable this barbaric practice to continue.

Plainly, it is cruel and unethical to cut a dog or cat's vocal cords to suppress his voice. The UK already bans devocalization. The United States should not tolerate this mutilating surgery.

Devocalized dogs and cats don't benefit at all; they are abandoned just like any other companion or breeding animal. Irrespective of a vet's experience or how vocal cords are cut, the surgery poses risks from massive infection to aspiration pneumonia, difficulty swallowing and even death.

Tissue re-growth is common, subjecting animals to stress, pain and repeat surgeries. Caretakers unable to pay ongoing costs further jeopardize animals with surrender or euthanasia.

I speak for many worldwide in saying we hope Massachusetts leads the way toward humane, responsible care of animals by prohibiting devocalization.

Respectfully,
Name and address (including country)...

Thank you for everything you do for animals!