PROHIBIT THE DEVOCALIZATION OF CATS AND DOGS UNLESS MEDICALLY NECESSARY A.1679 Member of Assembly Zebrowski S.4647 Senator Avella AN ACT to amend the agriculture and markets law, in relation to restricting the performance of surgical devocalization procedures on dogs and cats This bill prohibits devocalization of dogs and cats except when the procedure is medically necessary to treat or relieve an illness, disease or injury or to correct a congenital abnormality, suffered by the animal where the illness, disease, injury or congenital abnormality causes the animal physical pain or harm. BACKGROUND Sometimes dogs and cats must undergo vocal cord surgery to treat disease, such as cancer, or to correct a birth defect. But when performed for the sole purpose of suppressing the animal’s voice, it is widely considered an act of cruelty. It is banned throughout the UK, in Massachusetts, and by local ordinance in Warwick, Rhode Island. Devocalization subjects animals to many risks and potential complications, some life threatening. Animals receive no benefit. Devocalization is ordered strictly for convenience or profit of cat or dog breeding businesses, or a hobby involving breeding dogs or cats. SUMMARY OF PROPOSED BILL This bill prohibits devocalization of dogs and cats except when the procedure is medically necessary. “Medically necessary” refers solely to physical conditions. These provisions cannot be construed to allow for any “behavioral” conditions. Performing devocalization of a dog or cat, or causing devocalization to be performed in violation of the provisions of this law, shall be punishable by imprisonment for one year or a fine of up to five thousand dollars or both. Additionally, any veterinarian who performs a surgical devocalization procedure in violation of the provisions of this law shall be subject to the revocation or suspension of his or her license, in addition to the penalties state above. Any pet store that sells an animal that has been devocalized shall be guilty of a deceptive trade practice under the provisions of the General Business Law. Ø STATUS: REFERRED TO AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE IN BOTH HOUSES .