Tuesday October 27, 2009, 2:26 pm


CONTACT

Direct contact by MAIL will be the most effective.

Massachusetts House Speaker Robert DeLeo
State House, Room 356
Boston, MA 02133

Tuesday October 27, 2009, 2:26 pm


INFORMATION

An Act Prohibiting Devocalization, H. 344 would ban devocalization in Massachusetts. The bill is sponsored by Coalition to Protect and Rescue Pets, an unfunded, volunteer network of animal caretakers and compassionate people. It is endorsed by the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Assn., more than 200 Massachusetts vets, and many animal shelters statewide.

However, powerful lobbies that profit from devocalization want to kill the bill: Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Assn., the American Kennel Club-affiliated Mass. Federation of Dog Clubs...and others. Without your voice, animals will continue to be robbed of theirs.

Tuesday October 27, 2009, 2:27 pm


SAMPLE LETTER/TALKING POINTS:

Dear Speaker DeLeo:

I urge your full support for An Act Prohibiting Devocalization, H.344. I hope you will ensure it becomes law soon, without amendments that enable this barbaric practice to continue.

Plainly, it is cruel and unethical to cut a dog or cat's vocal cords to suppress his voice. The UK already bans devocalization. The United States should not tolerate this mutilating surgery.

Devocalized dogs and cats don't benefit at all; they are abandoned just like any other companion or breeding animal. Irrespective of a vet's experience or how vocal cords are cut, the surgery poses risks from massive infection to aspiration pneumonia, difficulty swallowing and even death.

Tissue re-growth is common, subjecting animals to stress, pain and repeat surgeries. Caretakers unable to pay ongoing costs further jeopardize animals with surrender or euthanasia.

I speak for many worldwide in saying we hope Massachusetts leads the way toward humane, responsible care of animals by prohibiting devocalization.

Respectfully,
Name and address (including country)...

Tuesday October 27, 2009, 3:26 pm
what a horrible practice. first i heard of it even existing was in one of your earlier stories cher. terrible . but neccessary to know to protest. forget who said it "there is no bad knowledge, only knowledge" ill use that to help swallow this tidbit. thanks

Tuesday October 27, 2009, 3:37 pm
NO! NO! DOUBLE NO! What in the world can make a person believe that this practice is anywhere near humane? And don't vets have the euqivalent of the Hypocratic Oath?

Tuesday October 27, 2009, 3:38 pm
Ths is one of the most sadistic things done to dogs. it is totally for selfish reasons of the pet care giver because they dont want to hear thier dog bark. it is worse than docking tails or ears on dogs. or even piercing ears. it is disgusting and needs to be outlawed.

this is not just a form of communication for dogs to bark but also a defense.

Tuesday October 27, 2009, 3:52 pm
Action taken, this is so wrong, how would so called humans like their vocal chords taken from them. God gave animals their own way of communicating, it is just so wrong to take it away! Thank-you Cher.

Tuesday October 27, 2009, 7:11 pm
Action taken here too....whats wrong with you people that do this crap???

Big Gorilly Hugs

Wednesday October 28, 2009, 1:58 am
Dogs bark, that is what they do.?????

Wednesday October 28, 2009, 2:31 am
What a horrible awful terrible thing to do!

I have three canine children (a boy and two girls) and they bark. Pretty loud, considering they're Chi-mixes. And yeah, it can be annoying when they get worked up. But I can't imagine ever doing that to them!

I'd miss their 'talking' way too much!

Wednesday October 28, 2009, 7:32 am
I emailed the letter instead, if that's ok. Speaker DeLeo's email is Robert.DeLeo@state.ma.us

Thanks Cher

Wednesday October 28, 2009, 8:16 am


Thnx so much everyone!!!

Wednesday October 28, 2009, 10:23 am
Unethical.. to take away the coice of a dog... perhaps these people should have their own vocal cords cut.. so that they no longer have a say in the matter

Wednesday October 28, 2009, 6:30 pm


I wish I had buckets of green stars for everyone!!!!!!!


Thnx again!!!