Expert Perspectives

Concerned animal care and rescue professionals
support banning vocal cord surgery performed to alter
dogs' and cats' voices. Here are their reasons.

SCROLL DOWN for statements from Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians, Animal Shelters and Rescue Organizations, Adopters of Devocalized Animals, Behavior and Training Specialists, and Other Experts.

THEN URGE YOUR VET TO TAKE A HUMANE STAND TOO! HERE'S HOW: Have him or her submit this easy ONLINE ENDORSEMENT FORM calling for an end to elective voice-altering surgery. It's the only way to spare dogs and cats from having their vocal cords cut for communicating. Before you speak with your vet, GET INFORMED. Want to know if he or she stepped up? Contact us to find out. Just click HERE.

VETERINARIANS AND VETERINARY TECHNICIANS

We have seen the suffering voice-altering surgery causes. One of our clients came to us after adopting a devocalized Labrador; another, after purchasing a Pekingese and having her pet's vocal cords cut to suppress his voice. Both individuals hoped to relieve the chronic coughing that resulted from this unnecessary surgery. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this persistent coughing. In fact, it is quite a common complication, one of many that cause animals tremendous distress. Some can be fatal. Our two patients will suffer the rest of their lives for human convenience. Even removing scar tissue from the throat, a major and very expensive surgery, is in most cases just a temporary fix. The scar tissue typically re-forms, necessitating additional surgery.
Gilbert Cintron, DVM, and Carlos Cintron, DVM, Bay Shore, NY

As a Board-certified veterinary surgeon, I have treated animals for complications of devocalization performed through the open mouth, so-called "bark softening." Whether done that way or through an incision in the neck, whether a portion or the entire vocal cord is altered, the risks and damage are unacceptable. Even a small cut bleeds and forms scars. One common result is a condition in which the airway becomes obstructed by scar tissue. This is not only uncomfortable but can become life-threatening. Attempts at surgical correction are fraught with failure. Another potential complication is inability of the larynx to prevent food and water from entering the trachea and lungs. This practice should be considered an act of cruelty.
Joel M. Woolfson, DVM, Boston, MA
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons

I had an 18-month-old Labrador Retriever patient that was devocalized and sold without disclosure to an unsuspecting pet owner. He had breathing difficulties, tired quickly when he tried to play, and coughed and gagged every time he ate and drank. Scar tissue in his throat, a result of devocalization, was the cause of these problems. Referral to a veterinary surgeon to remove the scarring was not an option for his owners due to cost. We had to euthanize this poor guy.
John Green, DVM, Rensselear, NY

Vocal cord surgery on dogs and cats should only be performed to treat a physical condition causing the animal medical harm. To perform it as behavioral intervention is an act of cruelty.
Mark Verdino, VMD, MBA, Vice President of Medical Services
North Shore Animal League America, Port Washington, NY

As a Certified Veterinary Technician, I have seen devocalized animals; all were medical nightmares. One pug came in with a permanent tracheotomy, a surgical hole in her neck, so she could breathe. After devocalization, she couldn't get enough air around her scarred vocal cords. The stress for any animal undergoing anesthesia after devocalization is extreme. The scar tissue causes a severe narrowing of the windpipe. This, in turn, doesn't allow a proper sized tube to be placed in order to maintain the airway for surgery. Improperly sized tubes can cause aspiration of substances into the lungs, leading to pneumonia or death. This is particularly true of procedures involving water (such as dental cleanings) or emergency procedures, which often carry a high risk of vomiting.
Cheryl Wylie, CVT, Springfield, VT

In my 17 years as a shelter vet, I've never seen a dog or cat relinquished for barking or meowing too much. I did however treat animals who'd been devocalized. All of them had difficulty breathing from scar tissue that blocked their throats. One dog died of heatstroke because he couldn't pant normally to cool himself. A cat inhaled food into his lungs as a result of devocalization. Vocal cord surgery should never be used as behavior intervention. It is cruel.
Stacey Joy Hershman, DVM, CVH, CVA, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY

There is always a reason for persistent vocalization that should be understood and addressed. Surgery to change the voice is not the answer and furthermore, it is inhumane. Whether vocal cord tissue is removed totally or partially (snipped, punched or notched), through an incision in the neck or via the oral cavity, surgery anywhere around the larynx subjects the patient to serious risks and pain. Many times, animals are re-operated on as a result of tissue regrowth, re-exposing them to risks and pain.
Nicholas Dodman, DVA, North Grafton, MA
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Anesthesiologists

I will never forget my patient, a Bichon-Frise, who had been devocalized by a highly competent, Board-certified surgeon. Scar tissue that developed in the throat following the surgery made anesthetic procedures later in this dog’s life much more difficult and dangerous.
Ann Thompson, DVM, Plymouth, MA

In my work at the university, I came in contact with many devocalized dogs. This procedure is medically unwarranted and contraindicated, entirely unnecessary for the patient's health and welfare. Animals who undergo devocalization experience considerable pain; because the surgery is done in an area that is in constant use (the upper airway), there is no way for the animal to avoid it as might be the case with other surgeries. Not only does devocalization violate the principles of veterinary medicine, it also is contrary to the norms of compassion and humanity.
Nedim C. Buyukmihci, VMD, Emeritus Professor of Veterinary Medicine
School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis

Some people claim cats can't be devocalized. That's absurd. Cats have vocal cords that can be cut in the same manner as those of a dog. Like devocalized dogs, they face serious, potentially fatal risks as a result of this elective surgery. And like dogs, their voices may be altered in very unpleasant ways. Purrs remain the same as prior to devocalization because they are not produced by the vocal cords. Who would do this to a cat? Those with many cats, particularly if they are unfixed; the shrieking and howling known as caterwauling are an expression of hormonal excitement. Aging cats may cry frequently as their vision and hearing becoming impaired or due to dementia. There are humane ways to handle that, including medication. Sometimes reassurance is all the senior cat crying for help needs. Comfort and understanding are the least the animals who love and depend on us should expect.
Shelby Neely, VMD, Philadelphia, PA

Cutting vocal cords to alter or remove a dog's or cat's voice is patently cruel, irrespective of how the procedure is performed and by whom. I have known veterinarians who devocalize. As long as there are those who yield to the demands of their clients by performing this painful, risky surgery, we need legislation to protect dogs and cats.
Ted Weiner, DVM, New York City

I have had the unfortunate experience of treating a dog who was given up after he was devocalized. The dog presented with chronic throat inflammation, the result of having had vocal cord tissue cut to suppress his voice. He still would try to bark, but experienced pain with every attempt. When very excited, he’d bark despite the pain, which in turn caused infections. Life post-devocalization is miserable for animals.
Alexander Klein, DVM, Brooklyn, NY

I feel devocalization is cruel and should be banned. If you do not want to hear an animal bark or meow, don't get one.
Robin Stamey, DVM, Hertford, NC

Regardless of the method by which it is performed, devocalization exposes the animal to the possibilities of infection, blood loss, inhalation of liquids and solid foods into the lungs, and the risks of anesthesia. It can trigger scarred vocal cord tissue regrowth, which can lead to aspiration pneumonia, heatstroke and choking, and may necessitate additional corrective surgeries. Other long‐term consequences can include chronic coughing and gagging and breathing difficulties. There are much more humane ways to deal with vocalization.
Barbara Hodges, DVM, MBA, Dixon, CA

When laryngeal surgery is performed for medical purposes (for example, removing tumors), it is only after all other treatment options have failed; the reason is the high complication rate associated with the procedure. Removing part of a healthy larynx solely to suppress an animal’s voice is as medically unwise as it is unethical. It can never be justified.
Gary Block, DVM, MS, East Greenwich, RI
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine

There are inherent risks any time an animal's anatomy is altered. While some surgical procedures, such as spay/neuter, benefit the animal, devocalization is inhumane and unethical. It should be banned.
Leilani Alvarez, DVM, Bedford Hills, NY

I’ve heard devocalized dogs trying to communicate, a very unpleasant sound. It is dishonest for anyone to portray this as “bark softening." Dogs and cats have needs; ignoring them encourages the persistent barking or meowing that owners complain annoys them. One can hardly blame the animal for his owner’s failure, nor remedy it by performing surgery on the animal's vocal cords.
Nancy Crowley, DVM, Beverly, MA

I find it appalling that some dogs and cats are subjected to surgical devocalization, a cruel procedure which robs an animal of his or her natural vocal expression, an important mode of communication. Devocalized animals suffer from a host of post-operative complications including pain, scar tissue formation, difficulty eating and drinking, coughing, and gagging. There is no place for devocalization in a civilized society. It should be completely banned.
Armaiti May, DVM, CVA, Los Angeles, CA

Devocalization has no benefit to patients, but rather causes them medical harm. In addition, animals undergoing the procedure are allowed to live with severe separation anxiety or other disorders expressed by barking, which are now simply hidden from sound.
Konstantine Barsky, DVM, Brooklyn, NY

Vocal cord surgery has many risks, including severe adhesions in the throat that impair swallowing and breathing. To expose an animal to such risks just to suppress his voice is barbaric. There are humane alternatives.
Neil Wolff, DVM, Greenwich, CT

Our clinic was asked to devocalize a cat; we refused. I have personal experience with devocalization: I adopted a five-year-old devocalized Sheltie. The pitiful, raspy noise that Faith made was heartbreaking, as were her repeated bouts of inhalation pneumonia that were a result of her devocalization surgery. Faith's life was a never-ending rollercoaster of antibiotics and other pulmonary medications; devocalization was directly responsible for that and her death. The procedure cannot be done so there is no potential for an adverse outcome. The vocal folds are part of the apparatus that prevents aspiration of food and drink, in conjunction with the epiglottis. Every animal has the potential to develop aspiration pneumonia and a number of other very serious conditions. I am horrified that there are those in my profession who continue to perform this dangerous, inhumane, and totally unnecessary surgery.
Barry Taylor, DVM, Franklin, NH

There are many humane solutions for troublesome vocalization, from medication and homeopathic products that calm the nerves of anxious animals to providing companionship, exercise and play. Dogs and cats don’t need to have their vocal cords cut to manage behavior. People need to be responsible: These are sentient beings, not toys or trophies.
Jill Elliot, DVM, New York City

It is disturbing that any veterinarian would agree to perform what is indisputably an act of animal cruelty. Because some do, a law is needed to protect veterinary patients, who are helpless to refuse this risky, unnecessary surgery.
John G. Hynes, DVM, Staten Island, NY

Barking and meowing are normal behaviors, not pathology to be addressed by removing healthy tissue. Many claim they love their animals. Cutting vocal cords to suppress an animal’s voice is not love. It is abuse.
Lisa Donato, DVM, Albertson, NY

Having observed this procedure and its potential complications, I fail to see how this benefits animals. Surgically altering an animal's voice is a cruel and barbaric practice.
Anne Johnson, DVM, Lincoln, MA

In my years as a vet tech, I’ve seen quite a few surgeries done to change the patient's voice. There was an American Eskimo who had it done to him multiple times. Another patient, a cocker spaniel, bled quite a bit during the surgery and post-surgery. There were blood clots coming from his nose and mouth; he was choking on his blood. He tried to cry after the surgery but couldn’t.
Shauna LeBlanc, Veterinary Technician, Weston, MA

As a veterinary behaviorist I've treated dogs and cats for "excessive" vocalization. There is always a reason, whether a learned behavior that has been rewarded, an alarm for the family or an expression of distress or anxiety. Whatever the reason, it can be treated by understanding and humanely managing the cause. Vocal cord surgery does nothing to address the issues that underlie vocalization; it should never be performed as behavior intervention. Veterinarians have an obligation to "first do no harm," an ethical guideline always worth remembering.
Ilana Reisner, DVM, PhD, Media, PA
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Behaviorists

I have heard devocalized dogs at Westminster and other dog shows. Their attempts to bark were a horrible sound; the potential health consequences of "bark softening" surgery are even worse. These animals may choke on food, a truly terrifying way to die, suffer heatstroke or succumb to aspiration pneumonia. Many cough and gag persistently and have difficulty breathing. Those who advocate for access to devocalization may say prohibiting it encroaches on their rights. However, in a civilized society, one’s rights stop short of causing another pain and suffering.
Ina Obernesser, DVM, New York City

Devocalization offers the patient no advantage, only risks, some of which may be life-threatening. I have treated devocalized dogs and can attest the voice they are left with is painful to hear.
Michael Ferrigno, VMD, Bellport, NY

Devocalization is mutilation. It is unnecessary. I have a terrier, a notoriously “barky” breed, who knows when he must be quiet because I took the time to train him. I also provide the exercise and companionship he needs. Finally, the claim that devocalization keeps animals out of shelters is simply untrue. Several of my clients adopted homeless dogs who had been previously devocalized. They rescued these animals despite their odd, unpleasant altered voices, not because of them.
Tina Aiken, DVM, Ancramdale, NY

ANIMAL SHELTERS AND RESCUE ORGANIZATIONS

There are a multitude of reasons people surrender, abandon and order convenience euthanasia for pets unrelated to barking or meowing. What’s more, devocalizing does not keep an animal from house soiling, digging up the garden or darting out the door. Owners who rely on surgeries that mask behavioral issues may be more apt to surrender or euthanize pets exhibiting other behaviors for which there are no surgical “fixes.”
Cheryl Major, Board Member, Buddy Dog Humane Society, Sudbury, MA

Rebound Hounds ResQ always screens prospective adopters. We had no reason to believe the person who adopted 5-year-old Charlie would harm him. But she did. She had a local vet cut his vocal cords to change his voice. A year later, she no longer wanted him. When we picked him up, we noticed immediately that he wheezed and his voice sounded terrible. He has shortness of breath too. The woman who had this done to him calls it "bark reduction." We call it cruel..
Donna Darrell, Co-Founder, Rebound Hounds ResQ, New York City

We have taken in devocalized dogs. Most had respiratory problems and some died as a result of this unnecessary procedure. There is no justification to devocalize an animal.
Cathy Derench, Founder, That Newfoundland Place, Coventry, CT

Devocalization does not address the reason why an animal may be vocalizing, such as lack of training, illness, fear, stress and loneliness. Devocalization also makes it difficult for dogs as well as cats to communicate with other animals and humans. North Shore Animal League America supports prohibiting devocalization of dogs and cats unless necessary to treat a physical problem.
Diane Johnson, Vice President, North Shore Animal League America, Port Washington, NY

There are reasons that dogs and cats excessively vocalize. They may be reacting to boredom, loneliness, stress or fear. To resolve this behavior, irresponsible owners will choose to have their pet devocalized by means of surgical alteration. Believing it to be a quick fix they resort to this procedure with apparent disregard for the pain and suffering that the surgery inflicts on the animal or to the documented post-operative effects that can occur. Responsible pet owners will look to provide enrichment, training, exercise and behavior modification. The Animal Welfare League of Arlington believes an enlightened community would not condone this cruel surgical procedure and supports all efforts to end the unnecessary and inhumane practice of surgical devocalization, save where indicated to treat a physical ailment causing the animal medical harm.
Neil Trent, CEO, Animal Welfare League of Arlington, Arlington, VA

We have adopted out devocalized Standard Poodles. One had been tethered outside most of the day, and barked his loneliness. After having him devocalized, the owner gave him up. The claim that surgically altering a dog’s voice will prevent abandonment is absurd.
Amanda Lion, Board Member, Poodle Rescue of New England

As director of a humane society and a pet owner, I assure you: devocalization does not keep animals out of shelters, responsible people do. I adopted a dog whose owner had him devocalized then didn't want him. Logan rasped and retched, coughed and gagged as a result of the devocalization every day till he died. There is no need for this procedure. Some breeds of dogs and cats vocalize more than others. Consider that before bringing a pet home or deciding to breed them. Also consider whether you can provide an appropriate environment and care. A dog left alone much of the day is more likely to bark excessively, and one who is easily excitable may not be the best choice for an apartment. Devocalization is not the solution. It is cruel.
Gayle Fitzpatrick, Founder/President, Friends of the Plymouth Pound, Plymouth, MA

Our shelter has had dogs surrendered to us after they were devocalized. All had multiple complications, physical and behavioral. A Cavalier King Charles was left with constant gagging. A cocker spaniel exhibited breathing difficulties. A third dog was surrendered because the family obtained another dog after devocalizing her and they did not get along. We adopted her out, but she was returned to us two weeks later for biting. It's not surprising. Cutting vocal cords doesn't address a dog’s needs. Instead, by allowing the owner to ignore them, it ensures the dog will act out in other ways, such as biting or house soiling.
Pamela Green, Executive Director, Kent Animal Shelter, Calverton, NY

I am a third-generation dog trainer, and the founding director of a 128-acre, nonprofit sanctuary for dogs who would otherwise be euthanized. At any given time, we shelter 90-100 dogs. Some are relinquished by owners, others come from shelters that cannot adopt them out due to behavioral problems, primarily biting. No dog has been brought here for barking.
Alan Papszycki, Founding Director, Spirit Animal Sanctuary, Boonville, NY

Anyone who says devocalization is not happening in New York is naïve or lying. I have had devocalized dogs relinquished to my rescue organization. One was given to us just because she had cataracts. Why was she devocalized in the first place? For the owner's convenience. Devocalization is cruel and unusual punishment levied on animals for their owners' bad behavior.
Joan Morrett, Director, CockerPalsRescue, Hobart, NY

I have seen devocalized dogs and I'm outraged that this can happen in Connecticut. The dogs I encountered had difficulty eating and breathing. They gasped for air and choked. Devocalization is a horrible act of mutilation. There's plenty of animal abuse in this country without it being practiced by vets.
Gail Snow-Marshall, President, Trumbull Animal Group, Trumbull, CT

Well-considered selection and proper care, training and housing of animals are what prevent so-called “nuisance” behaviors. Cutting vocal cords is irresponsible, and irresponsible people are among the first to give up their animals or abandon them on the streets.
Julie Serenson, Vice President, Friends of the Yonkers Animal Shelter, Yonkers, NY

Standard poodles were relinquished to us after the owner had them devocalized so neighbors would not complain about his many dogs. It is heartbreaking to hear a devocalized animal, both the mournful sound of the voice, and the knowledge that the animal has been subjected to a needless procedure. All surgery has risks; however, this one has no benefit for the patient. It is cruel and inhumane.
Joyce Garrity, Executive Director, Dutchess County SPCA, Hyde Park, NY

I know of a little dog who choked to death after his bark was "softened" by his vet. Had he been turned in to us rather than forced to undergo this horrific operation, we would have found him a wonderful home that would provide the time, attention, training and love that a dog needs.
Shirley Moore, Executive Director, Save A Dog, Sudbury, MA

The SPCA Serving Erie County is extremely opposed to the use of surgical techniques to alter dogs’ & cats’ voices. There is no evidence this keeps animals from being surrendered. In fact, I know of no case in 30 years of shelter work that a dog or cat was surrendered due to unwanted barking/meowing.
Barbara Carr, Executive Director, SPCA Serving Erie County, NY

Barking is not a reason dogs lose their homes; irresponsible owners are.
Kathy McLoughlin, Founder, Tiny Treasures Rescue, Yonkers, NY

Some people overlook or even reward "nuisance" behavior when their dogs are adorable puppies; they later realize that barking or nipping isn't so cute when their dogs mature. Devocalization is not the solution any more than cutting off a dog’s paws for jumping on guests would be.
Wilma Louras, Director, Wilma’s Orphans, Hempstead, NY

A dog was relinquished to us for what the owner said was incessant barking. It turns out she left him alone nearly the entire day. Of course he barked! He was calling out for the companionship, exercise and play animals require. In our care, he barks appropriately.
Tracy Muscatello, Owner, HeartsHerd Animal Sanctuary, Buskirk, NY

Few shelters can lay claim to never having housed a devocalized animal. And if the pro-devocalization lobby were serious about keeping animals out of shelters, they would be working much harder to address the real reasons animals are in shelters in the first place, including people who have unrealistic expectations of pets' normal behaviors. Dakin's own track record shows that the most effective way to reduce shelter populations is to provide affordable, accessible sterilization for cats and dogs
Leslie Harris, Exec. Director, Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society, Springfield, MA

Surgery to mask a dog or cat’s voice serves no purpose but convenience. The reasons animals are surrendered to us are divorce, moving, allergies, financial concerns and the owner’s death, not barking or meowing. Even devocalized animals lose their homes.
Denise Adams, Animal Care Manager, Wanderers’ Rest Humane Association, Canastota, NY

Devocalization is an unnecessary evil that not only compromises the animal’s health, wellbeing and longevity, it compromises the animal-human bond as well. In more than 20 years of rescue, I’ve seen over and over that people cannot interpret dog and cat body language. When vocal cords are cut, sounds that express different needs and feelings, from “play with me” to “I’m scared and will bite you,” are removed. You can’t understand what your pet is trying to tell you, which is as frustrating for the animal as it is for you. Devocalization is an act of selfishness, ignorance and greed with absolutely no benefit for the animal.
David Bernacchi, Founder/Director, Pets 4 Luv, Islip Terrace, NY

ADOPTERS OF DEVOCALIZED ANIMALS

The idea that devocalization helps owners keep their dogs doesn't make sense. My Jet was devocalized and her owner still let her loose to fend for herself. Jet has issues breathing, and makes noises that other dogs and even people think are weird; they think Jet must be aggressive. Jet is the sweetest dog you will ever meet. She just can't breathe normally. I can't begin to tell you how often even humans rebuke Jet's attempts at showing affection, and it all stems from her devocalization. No other dog should have to go through what Jet experiences every single day.
Amanda Trisdale-Rundell, Las Cruces, NM

Porter's previous owner had her veterinarian cut his vocal cords because she didn't want to hear him bark. Although the vet had performed many so-called "bark softening" procedures like this, notching the vocal cords through Porter's mouth, scar tissue formed over 50% of his airway. We paid for a $2,000 surgery to remove the blockage--an expense we hadn't anticipated--but Porter still will never breathe or bark normally again. His hoarse voice is painful to hear. He coughs and gags throughout the day and can't walk a block without struggling to breathe. We must take great care to make sure he doesn't suffer heatstroke or choke on his food. It's very upsetting to know this misery is just because an owner didn't want to hear him bark and a vet accommodated her at Porter's expense.
Sue Perry, Hartford, CT

When I was working as a taxi driver I met a woman with many cats, and she let me keep one. I started noticing he would try to meow but nothing would come out. My vet told me my cat had been devocalized. He bobs his head back and forth trying to make noise. Sometimes it looks like he’s having a seizure.
Michael Moisson, Boston, MA

I adopted a devocalized Chihuahua from a local rescue group. Lola coughs and gags frequently and sometimes has a hard time swallowing as a result of devocalization. Her voice is so disturbing, people always want to know what's wrong with her. She still wakes us in the middle of the night, but instead of a normal bark, she makes strange sounds. I can't imagine what kind of person would have this done to a dog or cat. Please put an end to this cruelty.
Karen Mahmud, Long Island, NY

We adopted a young Anatolian Shepherd who was devocalized by his prior owners. They tried to keep a dog who is meant to be a livestock guardian as a pet on a piece of land that was too small for him. It breaks our hearts when we hear him try to bark.
Jennifer Huston, Manhattan, MT

As the adopter of a now deceased devocalized dog, I can tell you that her voice was painful to hear. Without knowing my dog had been devocalized, I could not identify what was wrong with her. It was only later that I learned the wheezing was the result of cut vocal cords. It is unethical to put an animal through surgery for barking.
Massachusetts State Representative (Ret.) Willie Mae Allen

I adopted a 4-year-old Standard Poodle whose first owner had her vocal cords cut, then gave her up. She was adopted and given up again. Piper coughs and gags frequently. I worry constantly that she'll choke on her food. Her voice doesn't have distinguishable sounds, so it's hard for her to communicate with people and other dogs. Piper is very smart and compliant. She could have been taught not to bark. Instead, someone took the lazy way out by making her endure this very cruel surgery. She'll suffer the rest of her life for it.
Eryn Wisdom, Omaha, NE

Devocalization is more common than you think. I adopted a devocalized Chihuahua. Candy gagged frequently; we had to monitor her meals for fear she would choke. Devocalization is unnecessary if one chooses and cares for a pet responsibly.
John Perreault, Exec. Director, Berkshire Humane Society, Pittsfield, MA

I am a Registered Veterinary Technician of 17 years, and I've witnessed many dogs who suffered complications after licensed veterinarians performed surgery to stifle their voices, including scar tissue build-up in the throat area causing partial airway blockage. They gagged while trying to eat their food and drink water, and some had fainting spells (syncope). Some suffered so badly that the humane option was euthanasia. One of my own dogs, Colby, suffered daily coughing and gagging spells that sometimes caused him to faint because his previous owner subjected him to this surgery. He died at the young age of 3 as a result. There is no need for this surgery. I don't understand how anyone, especially a veterinarian, can ethically justify it.
Kristy LaDue, RVT, Westminster, CO

I adopted a 3-year-old cocker spaniel whose first owner subjected her to "bark softening" surgery. When Demi was spayed, scar tissue from being devocalized made it difficult to keep her airway open during the procedure. Even a little exercise stresses Demi, and she can't bark at all, just whine. Whining is no more pleasant to hear than barking.
Cynthia Martin, Taunton, MA

We adopted a young yellow Lab who had been devocalized. Stella experienced traumatic respiratory problems, which our vet said was a direct result of the devocalization. When we took her out to play, we noticed she had a hard time breathing, and it got progressively worse. She was really struggling to breathe and sometimes was collapsing. Two very costly surgical procedures saved Stella’s life by removing the scar tissue that blocked her airway. But they couldn’t save her voice; she is permanently mute. I can't leave her alone in the backyard, because she can't bark to tell me if she's hurt or someone has come into the yard. To know what she needs, we always have to have her in our line of vision.
Dottie Veneto, Quincy, MA

Our rescue dog was devocalized before we got her. She can barely get sound out even though she tries so hard. I can't understand why anyone felt this was a needed procedure!
Darcy Paget, Northglenn, CO

Our black Lab, Fritz, wasn't "good enough" to be bred, so he was devocalized, then put in a cage outside and ignored. That’s when we came in and got him. Fritz sounds hoarse as if he’s smoked 50 cigarettes a day and he gags when he eats. Even water won’t go down comfortably; he spits some of it back up.
Kate Sanders-Pedersen, Wayland, MA

Lady's original owners had her devocalized and then gave her to a shelter. She was adopted and given up again, so our home is her third. It's sad to hear her hoarse attempts to bark, frequently interrupted by a cough or a gag. No veterinarian should ever do this to an animal.
Gene and Fran Nadeau, Pittsfield, MA

I have a collie that I adopted. Her vocal cords had been cut. She is a sweet girl, but it is sad to hear her little whispery sounds and she frequently coughs and hacks as if something is lodged in her throat.
Virginia Young, Titusville, FL

BEHAVIOR AND TRAINING EXPERTS

I have met dogs in New York who were devocalized and still given up to rescue organizations. The procedure does not stop the act of barking, but what comes out is a horrible, strained and harsh sound. As a professional dog trainer and an urban pet owner, I find this to be cruel and shortsighted. There are many reasons dogs bark and cats meow; I want to know why a particular animal is behaving in a problematic way and work to find a humane solution. I know from experience that when the basic needs of training, exercise, mental stimulation and attention are met, so-called "nuisance" barking is not a problem.
Viviane Arzoumanian, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, Brooklyn, NY
Certified Professional Dog Trainer

Barking is the tip of a large and deep behavioral iceberg. Devocalize a bored, lonely or distressed dog, the most common reasons for so-called “nuisance” barking, and you’re begging him to express his distress through other inappropriate behaviors—such as biting.
Pat Miller, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, Fairplay, MD
Past President, Association of Pet Dog Trainers
Board of Directors, Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers

Dogs and cats use distinct vocal sounds to express different emotions and needs, such as joy, fear, animosity or pain. Devocalization removes or reduces these distinctions, putting animals as well as people at risk. Non-vocal communication is not sufficient, as some claim. The majority of people do not know how to interpret dog and cat body language, especially when the animal is not their own. Audible, unambiguous vocal expression is essential for the safety and well-being of animals and the humans with whom they interact both in the home and in public.
Alana Stevenson, MS, BCCAB, CPDT-KA, CSAMT
Certified Professional Dog Trainer

Over the past 40 years, I’ve trained more than 44,000 dogs of all breeds, ages and temperaments, including those characterized by their owners as “nuisance” barkers. With consistent training, every one of them learned when to be quiet. There is no such thing as an untrainable dog. There are, however, irresponsible dog owners. Training requires Patience, Perseverance and Perspiration. Some people don’t want to invest that effort, using devocalization as an easy substitute for responsible care and training.That is inhumane and counterproductive. Surgically altering a dog’s voice doesn’t fix the reason it is barking or teach the dog to obey its owner. An owner who is not in control of his animals presents a risk to the public.
Anthony Jerone, Master Dog Trainer, Whitestone, NY
Founder, NYC Transit Authority's Canine Patrol Program

Devocalization is an unforgiveable attempt to cover up some gross inequity. A dog who barks excessively is often stressed. Cutting vocal cords doesn’t relieve that.
Jonathan Klein, CPDT-KA, CDBC, Los Angeles, CA
Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Behavior Consultant

There are many possible causes for persistent meowing, medical as well as behavioral. Hyperthyroidism, decreased vision or hearing, cognitive dysfunction disease (similar to Alzheimer’s) or painful conditions such as arthritis may cause cats to vocalize more. Treatment, not devocalization, is needed. Behavioral causes, such as insufficient mental stimulation and exercise, can be easily remedied by enriching the environment, providing positive reinforcement training and spending time interacting with your vocal cat. Cutting vocal cords will not solve the underlying problem. It will only add to an unhappy cat's suffering.
Stephanie Borns-Weil, DVM
Tufts Animal Behavior Clinic, North Grafton, MA

OTHER EXPERTS

It is meritless and manipulative for anyone to suggest that devocalization must be available or seniors will have to give up their pets. Infirmity and financial concerns are the reasons seniors surrender their pets. What’s more, because devocalization can compromise the animal’s health, leading to more costly procedures, it exacerbates the difficulty of caring for a pet on a fixed income.
Marie Mazzeo, Senior Adult Pet Program Coordinator, Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services, Somerville, MA

We get calls every day from desperate people forced to give up their pets, not because of barking or meowing, but as a result of the high cost of veterinary care. Making care accessible is what veterinary associations should focus on, not devising ways to justify dangerous, elective surgery performed to mask a companion animal's natural voice.
Edita Birnkrant, NYS Director, Friends of Animals

Barking doesn’t hurt seniors, but biting does. The dog who can’t clearly bark a warning he’s about to bite is a danger to his owner and other senior housing residents. Seniors may not be able to hear or understand the muffled, indistinguishable sounds a devocalized dog makes. And do not expect those with reduced vision or impaired cognition to interpret the dog’s body language.
Andrea Ellen Keigan, Senior Adult Housing Management Consultant, Weatogue, CT

Surgically suppressing an animal’s voice to correct the “vice” of vocalizing is unequivocally an act of cruelty, and there is no simple or benign way to achieve this end. The Massachusetts legislature voted resoundingly to prohibit devocalization. The New York State Humane Association hopes New York will join its ranks and support the growing mandate to treat companion animals humanely.
Holly Cheever, DVM, Vice President
New York State Humane Association

When I was an elected official, I reviewed many pieces of legislation which support the safety and welfare of animals. I believe banning devocalization of dogs and cats would benefit the majority of New Yorkers and the animals under their care. Many shelter directors agree that this would not cause a spike in surrenders to shelters. That concern should be addressed through increased support for spay/neuter efforts, not used as an excuse to derail humane legislation.
Brian Shapiro, Ulster County New York Legislator, District 2 (Ret.)

I am a canine handler for the Central Intelligence Agency and have served duties in Afghanistan and Iraq. I cannot begin to tell you how many times a barking dog has changed a potentially dangerous situation for people just by sounding an alarm…which can be the difference between life and death. We teach the dogs when it’s “ok” to bark and when we need them to be quiet.
Dennis O., Federal Police Canine Handler, CIA
Photo used under Creative Commons from Beverly & Pack

Domestic animals look to us for humane leadership; it is one of the ways in which we build a bond with them for our mutual benefit. Cutting vocal cords to suppress the animal’s voice does not allow that bond to develop. Nor does it teach the animal to accept our leadership, putting the animal, ourselves and our neighbors at risk. It is easier to cut vocal cords than to provide appropriate care and training. It can be quite profitable to breed animals wherever one chooses. And it may be instantly gratifying to bring home a cute but innately “talkative” breed of dog or cat rather than select one more suitable for one’s environment and noise tolerance. None of these things justify devocalization.
Juliet Sternberg, LMSW
Social Workers Advancing the Human-Animal Bond, Brooklyn, NY

Ordering elective vocal cord surgery to suppress an animal's voice constitutes a disconnect from the reality that animals are conscious beings who feel physical pain and experience emotional distress. Subjecting dogs and cats to this surgery is by any reasonable standard an act of cruelty. Those who would have an animal devocalized, or who would perform it, claiming it is for the animal's benefit are either callous or in denial.
Dana Gilbert, LICSW, Psychotherapist, Newton, MA

Devocalization is a deplorable act of animal cruelty that also puts our communities at risk. Even devocalized dogs and cats may bite, jump on people, soil public property, run into traffic, dig up the neighbor’s garden. There are no surgeries to correct these behaviors. Responsible people who train, supervise and provide proper care of their animals do. They do not devocalize.
Kelly McCartney, Director of Animal Control,
City of Buffalo, NY