Jordan Star, a high school sophomore in Massachusetts, filed a bill with the state’s legislature to outlaw the devocalization of animals throughout Massachusetts. The bill is currently in the third reading committee.
Devocalization is the practice of cutting an animals vocal cords to stifle its voice. “It’s inhumane, risky, and more common than you would think,” Star wrote via email, adding that some breeders devocalize their animals in order to keep noise levels from disturbing their surrounding neighbors.
Nearly 60 legislative cosponsors have backed the bill, titled HB 344. Additionally, more than 20 humane societies and shelters and 200 veterinarians have endorsed it statewide. “The public overwhelmingly opposes devocalization. Still, the bill has been facing a lot of opposition from powerful lobbies who profit from devocalization,” Star wrote.
To show support for HB 344, contact House Speaker Robert DeLeo at (617) 722.2500.
For more information…
Meet victims of devocalization: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZPoyuMw870
Hear the experts: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4ADbMoX4aw
This is a Barbaric surgery that should be BANNED in EVERY state! Why don’t vets refuse to do this procedure!?! Hopefully someone from every state will file a bill to ban this. I intend to look into this for Indiana.
Thanks for the support Jani. I just want to clarify that I filed this bill with Coalition to Protect and Rescue Pets, an unfunded all-volunteer network of animal owners and professionals throughout MA.