Photo by Bob LaRouche
Only July 14th the Massachusetts State House of Representatives will be holding a committee meeting regarding House Bill 344 (HB344): An Act Prohibiting the Devocalization of Dogs and Cats.
On the surface, many dog-lovers may say "good law".
When you really dig deeper, below the surface this is really bad legislation that has the potential to land otherwise potentially great dogs in death row awaiting destruction because they have a proclivity for barking.
Certain breeds, including shetland sheep dogs and several breeds of terriers are high-alert dogs. Regardless of the training methods you use: positive reinforcement, punishment, desensitization, homopathy and even medication, they will continue to bark in a manner that can cause nuisance dog complaints.
Likewise, some neighbors will opt to complain even if a dog's behavior is below the threshhold set by nuisance dog laws.
This law does not view the potential risk of being euthanized due to nuisance complaints a "legitimate health risk". While many dog owners would agree that there are some people too ready to devocalize, this is a topic that should be handled from an education, not legislation approach.
While all other options should be explored prior to resorting to devocalization, better safe in a home with a smaller, raspy bark then in a shelter wondering if "tomorrow is the day."
Contact your representative and let them know this is a bad law when you look at the larger picture. In the sheep's clothing of animal welfare, animal rights activists have advocated turning a legitimate veterinary procedure into a Felony Offense.
Comments
The premise that a dog will be euthanized if it is surrendered to a shelter is faulty. People who work in shelters or rescue groups, as well as breeders, know that Massachusetts has reduced its dog population so that dogs for the most part not euthanized unless they have significant health or behavior issues (not barking). Argue to oppose H. 344 if you want, but to suggest that surrendering an otherwise healthy dog to a shelter, because it barks, means that it would be likely to be euthanized really seems to be a scare tactic. As shown by the authors statement, this bill has "...potential to land otherwise potentially great dogs in death row awaiting destruction because they have a proclivity for barking." Just not true.
People should choose breeds and individual dogs that work with their lifestyle, space, proximity to neighbors, etc. It's the responsible thing to do. But if an "otherwise great dog" needs to be surrendered in MA because it barks, it would find a home.
The surgery is bark softening, not devocalization because dogs that have the surgery can still bark, just softer. Balanced Opinion may not have operated in rescue the way some of us have. We have seen some pretty awful abuse of dogs over barking issues and we have seen people really at wit's ends over what to do. Some behaviorists think drugging a dog so it won't bark, using citronella or electric shock collars are good ideas. When all else fails, there is the last resort of bark softening and it is endorsed as such by the American Veterinary Medical Society. I am for dogs and keeping them in homes where they are loved. If a simple surgery (when done correctly) can do that, to outlaw it is a form of cruelty.
Bark softening is something that needs to be decided by an owner and his/her veterinarian. This simply is not a legislative issue; it's a personal issue dealing with one's property (the dog). Having owned many bark softened dogs, they happily continue to bark, thoroughly enjoy life, and do not suffer any trauma or psychological repercussions. Making life more pleasant for owners and neighbors thanks to a minor surgical procedure (not nearly as invasive as spaying/neutering) should be left to the owner.
Firstly, this bill states 'dogs & cats', which just shows the lack of knowledge & misinformation surrounding this issue. Cats do not require 'bark softening'. It would be very rare if at all for someone to complain that a cat is causing serious noise disturbance. As Lucy L states, Bark Softening when used correctly is a useful method of controlling an excessively barky dog. Dogs that have this very minor surgery still bark - they are not debarked - they just do it softer. As far as Balanced Opinion's statement that 'People should choose breeds and individual dogs that work with their lifestyle, space, proximity to neighbors, etc. It's the responsible thing to do.' all I can say is hog wash!!! I will choose a breed or mixed breed of dog based on my desire not what someone else thinks I should do. So far, we are still entitled to free choice in most things in this Country.
As head of a national breed rescue program, I can tell you horror stories of the things done to dogs that bark too much or too loudly. For starters, how about lye down the throat or maybe the artistic wire around the muzzle. Bark softening is a safe veterinary procedure. It is not debarking as it does not make the dogs mute. This fact doesn't seem to penetrate into people's brains. The dogs can bark, whine, growl, yelp, howl, it is just not as loud nor does it carry distances. Dogs do get turned into shelters as barking nuisances and yes, they do get put down for that reason as who wants to adopt a dog turned in with a problem? People in breed rescues know that a safe procedure done under anesthesia can either save the dog's happy home or help it get adopted to a new one.
As for "devocalizing cats" who ever heard of nuisance meowing? That section of the law is laughable and proves what little research was done by anybody involved with its drafting.
B.O. is wrong. I work with rescue and I can tell you that MANY dogs are turned into shelters and KILLED because of barking issues. How do you rehome a dog after telling the potential owners that the dog was turned in for barking TOO MUCH.. few people want to deal wiht this issue and fewer still have neighbors who want a constanly barking dog, so if the shelter is truthful a barking dog will be passed up in favor of one who will not cause a problem. As for choosing a dog that matches your lifestyle I could not agree more.. that is why your best bet when looking for a new pet it is best to buy from a BREEDER. That way you know the dogs history and personality. Bark softening has saved the lives of many dogs and has proven to be a great way to be a good neighbor and still have the dog of your choice. the most IMPORTANT point here is that ANY surgical proceedure should be between the OWNER of the pet and their VETERINARIAN...and the government should have NO say.
Dogs do get surrendered for incessant barking. I did have a rescue in my kennel for that. He had been beaten for barking.
Dogs who bark relentently are at a great risk for abuse.
This should be a quiet matter between the owner of the dog and a qualified vet. The bad debark are just like a surgery. There are good one and bad ones.
This bill is very poorly written and by a very ignorant person. To include cats. Cats do not bark.
This bill can put a dog at risk. Just not a smart bill.
Doesn't government have something better to do of a more helpful approach to the taxpayers in these hard times.
These are NOT scare tactics. I think the public has common sense enough to know that NOT every dog can be trained not to bark! There are dogs that have barking genetically bred into them, i.e. Finnish Spitz, and no amount of training, yelling, or collars will stop it. Those who have to end up bark softening their dogs don't do it lightly. In 42 years, I have had to do it 4 times and tried every idea in the book before I did. We have left the days when people are tolerant, there is unlimited amounts of land and you can leave your doors unlocked. Dogs don't have the same protections of life, liberty as humans do and threats are no joke. This procedure saves lives and sanity as well as preserves relationships with neighbors. It is much less invasive than spaying/neutering and the patient can go home as soon as the anesthetic wears off. This in NOT DEVOCALIZATION- the dog can still bark to its heart's content only softer, without all the volume. IT is ALWAYS done under a vet's care.
Any response that contains the words "you people" or refers to an apparent opposing, individual's opinion with the group term "they" or "them" (or something similar), already has that response's credibility put in jeopardy.
Those responses remind me of elementary school name calling, at best; &, at worst, seem to be based in knee-jerk, somewhat narrow-minded & already-prejudiced opinions & positions from those who, often, have an "agenda-based" platform on which to base arguments & sling inflammatory superlatives without much regard for accuracy, considered information or a broader understanding of all issues, elements & factors.
I trust that the legislators in Massachusetts (& elsewhere) who have taken up the considerations for a similar bill, will listen & vote according to a much more reasoned, compassionate & informed basis.
There are (almost) always two, clear sides to any legislatable "issue". Legislators, please become thoroughly informed; & vote w/ your considered cons
You state an animal is “better safe in a home with a smaller, raspy bark than in a shelter wondering if ‘tomorrow is the day.’” It’s not entirely clear whether “smaller, raspy bark” is intentional euphemism, or true ignorance on your part. It would appear you know next to nothing about this vicious procedure or its results, but it seems more likely this is calculated obfuscation.
You say nothing of the horrific medical complications associated with devocalization, including airway obstruction (trouble breathing) and as a result difficulty with activity and exercise, and inability to eat solid food or treats without gagging. This is painful not only for the animal, but for people who care for it. In a Youtube video on the subject you’ll hear a woman explain how her children cry when they witness this animal’s regular suffering. I've responded in full to this post at my weblog.
Excessive barking does not figure even in the top ten reason dogs are surrendered or killed.
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