PLEASE ACT IMMEDIATELY!

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=2 0medical necessity.

Is devocalization risky? Whether the vocal cords are removed or “just” cut, the animal faces stress, pain and surgical risks. 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.  

Who supports it? NESAA and other humane organizations across MA, including:   MSPCA, Animal Rescue League of Boston, Baypath Humane Society, Berkshire Humane Society,  Buddy Dog Humane Society, Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society, Friends of the Plymouth Pound,  Marblehead Animal Shelter,  MassPAWS,   Northeast Animal Shelter, Save A Dog, Standish Humane Society and  Worcester Animal Rescue League.

Does devocalization keep "noisy" pets out of shelters? No! They're given up same as any other. Some have been surrendered to 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 ma y cough or gag persistently. “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...

• Choose the right pet for your environment, lifestyle and noise tolerance.
• Give your pet enough exercise, companionship and play: Bored, lonely dogs bark more!
• Spay/neuter; among other benefits, it will stop hormone-driven vocalization.
• Rule out medical reasons for "problem" barking/meowing.
• Consult a behaviorist or trainer to resolve psychological triggers.  

Coco's Story
Hyannis

CoCo and her 2 siblings were rescued by a dedicated volunteer in Hyannis, last November.  Both Coco and her siblings arrived very ill with an upper respiratory infection.  Her eyes were sealed shut from infection and she was breathing with her mouth open. She was so weak that when presented with food, her face fell in it.  We proceeded to syringe feed her for 3 days as well as administer course of 2 antibiotics.

Here is CoCo 3 weeks after being given constant care.  As you can see she recovered beautifully and was then adopted to a loving family in Provincetown.



Henrietta
Craigville Beach

While NESAA was performing a rescue at a colony at Craigville Beach, a new cat arrived that had never been seen before. She was a beautiful, long-haired, black & white cat watching our efforts. We noticed she was blind in one eye and had what looked like a severe injury to her nose.  Fortunately we were able to capture her and we rushed her to our dedicated vet. It was soon discovered that Henrietta had been through tragedy and pain in her life. She was confirmed blind in one eye, her nose injury was actually squamous cell carcinoma (an aggressive cancer).  She had a large abdominal hernia that appeared to be due to a large animal bite. It was also discovered she was in renal failure, and her paws were yellow and stained from some chemical she had been in. We wasted no time and cut no corners in her medical care.  She was transported within days to an oncology group near Boston where it was sadly discovered her cancer had spread through her lungs and one lung had partially collapsed.  Our hopes were shattered for treatment. She was put in our hospice care; a loving, caring, foster home for 6 weeks.  She was able to gain 1 pound and receive love and comfort that she had never seen in her life. We sadly lost Henrietta March 16, 2008. She will never be forgotten!