Update: This bill did not pass prior to  the end of the 2008-2010 Congressional session. 

U.S. Rep. C.A. "Dutch" Ruppersberger (D-MD) has introduced a bill, H.R. 5422, to support state efforts to prevent animal cruelty. 

Under the bill states would be eligible for grants up to $1,000,000 for enacting laws that impose criminal penalties on anyone performing "devocalization procedure[s]" on dogs and cats "for purposes of convenience". The term "devocalization procedure" is defined as "a surgical procedure that prevents an animal's larynx from producing sound or reduces the ability of the larynx to produce sound." The phrase "for purposes of convenience" means "with respect to the performance of a devocalization procedure on an animal, that the procedure is not performed primarily for the therapeutic benefit of the animal."

The idea for the law came from a new Massachusetts law just passed this session that bans the devocalization of dogs and cats except in the event of medical necessity. 

The grants could be used for a wide range of activities to "prevent or promote the prevention of cruelty to animals" including care for abandoned or abused animals and public education about animal abuse and how to help prevent it. The money could also be used to educate people about the terrible effects of performing a devocalization procedure on a dog or cat. 

Typically, devocalization is used by breeders who breed dogs and cats for sale, show or activities like hunting or sledding.  They want to avoid the inconvenience of listening to barking dogs and crying cats they are keeping for breeding, sale or show.

Meet devocalized dogs and hear what animal experts say about the health risks and cruelty of devocalization. For more on the new Massachusetts law..... Banning devocalization can save animals from abandonment or surrender.

Devocalization  does not address the problem causing the barking or noise, such as stress, fear, loneliness, frustration, illness, injury, poor socialization, lack of training, and instead is akin to cutting the vocal chords of a noisy child. 

Dogs and cats that have difficulty vocalizing their intentions, moods or needs present a risk to the public and increased liability to pet owners. If breeders or owners ignore the stress, boredom, fear or other reason for the dog or cat's communication, then the animals may act out in other ways such as biting or scratching. The animal may urinate in inappropriate places. Depending on the behavior, the owner could be subject to liability. For a breeder or owner already willing to devocalize, these other behaviors are not likely to be tolerated, meaning abandonment or surrender of the animal to a shelter.

The devocalization procedures are risky. Multiple surgeries are required if tissue grows back. It also results in scar tissue and can mean health complications for the animal. Devocalized animals can choke and have trouble breathing or swallowing. Breeders who do this to their animals are more likely to get rid of them if there are too many costly surgeries or health problems.

Contact Animal Law Coalition for information and help in passing a ban on devocalization in your state!