Devocalization or silencing of dogs and cats has been in the headlines lately. Recently, the Massachusetts House of Representatives has voted in favor of a bill which makes devocalization illegal. However, the same bill permits exemptions for certain situations like congenital defects and injuries or diseases. It also stipulates filing of written certificates by veterinarians for medically necessary devocalizations with concerned authorities and penalties for not reporting completed surgeries.
Devocalization is often used by breeders, show dog exhibitors and some pet owners to keep the animals quiet.
What Is Devocalization?
Devocalization, also called debarking in dogs is a surgical procedure in which a dogs vocal chords are cut to reduce the sound of their barking to just a whisper. Contrary to what many believe, the surgery for debarking is not painless and involves the same risks that are associated with any other elective surgery. It’s terrible that people would advocate surgery on dog’s vocal chords just to keep them from barking.
Why Devocalization?
Debarking or silencing of dogs is highly controversial and it is the opinion of pet owners mostly based on how “dog friendly” their neighborhood is. Supporters of this surgery think that they are actually saving the dogs from being sent to the pound or worse, having to euthanize them because of their constant barking. Another argument presented by supporters is that the procedure is painless and dogs do not suffer much emotionally as they are still able to bark, albeit quietly.
Is It Justified?
While those who advocate cutting of cats and dogs vocal chords can put forth numerous arguments to justify their stand, silencing of dogs is nothing but an act of animal cruelty. Apart from the direct risks associated with the procedure like post-surgery bleeding and damage to critical nerves surrounding the vocal chords, it can be extremely painful for the dogs and result in some permanent scarring and other irreparable damages.
Sometimes complications occur and more than one surgical intervention might be needed if the tissue grows back. Devocalized dogs were found to choke or gag quite frequently. Other risks involved are difficulty in swallowing, aspiration pneumonia, adverse reaction to anesthesia, paralysis of the larynx and in some cases it can even be fatal. Studies also reveal that most dog owners abandon their pets if the surgery results in expensive complications.
Can this inhumane act be justified? Absolutely not! Without doubt devocalization is a mutilating surgery that is done not in the best interests of the animal but just for the convenience of pet owners. Excessive barking should be dealt by training the pets to reduce their barking tendencies or if training is not possible the pets should be put up for adoption instead of resorting to extreme surgical procedures just to abide some “neighborhood law”.
Pets can be and are trained successfully to curb their disturbing behaviors, including excessive barking. It is the responsibility of pet owners to take proper care of their pets. Anyone who does not want to spend the time or money required for dog training should not be in charge of the animal. Barking is an inherent nature of dogs. If you want a quiet pet then get a hamster.
