By: Lisa Kropp

Views of the ethical and humane treatment of animals in both the veterinary profession and society as a whole are constantly changing. Various procedures are considered controversial, and the outlook on these practices can vary depending on circumstance. Canine devocalization is one such procedure, highly criticized by pet advocacy groups.

Several organizations deem canine devocalization necessary only if the dog’s health is at risk, or as a last resort. The American Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) encourages, “the implementation of dog-friendly behavioral solutions to barking problems, and is opposed to the debarking of dogs unless and until all appropriate behavioral solutions have been explored and exhausted.”

The American Medical Veterinary Association (AMVA) similarly states, “Canine devocalization should only be performed by qualified, licensed veterinarians as a final alternative after behavioral modification efforts to correct excessive vocalization have failed.”

Dr. Phil Hobson, Professor at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine, has been actively performing devocalization surgeries for over four decades. In Dr. Hobson’s 44 years at the Texas A&M University CVM, he can only recall performing a maximum of two or three devocalization procedures a year that were due to the owner’s desire to quiet their dog’s vocalization. It is often common to perform these surgeries because of health issues.

“We perform this procedure on quite a few older dogs,” Hobson said. “Usually the surgery is done because the dogs have a paralyzed larynx, and the result of the vocal fold resection allows for the animal to breathe in enough air. The procedure is fairly short, about 20 minutes, and the dog is under anesthesia.”

However, for those who use devocalization surgery for non‐therapeutic purposes, the goal is to muffle or eliminate a dog’s bark.

“I met a woman at a dog show who had her animal ‘de-barked’, it seemed strange and I felt bad for the dog,” said Jennifer Di Sano, owner of Bella, a 10 year-old Chihuahua mix.

“I think people are quick to remove the bark when the animal is probably just in need of therapy or training. How come Caesar Milan doesn't devocalize dogs? I think it's equal to removing someone's vocal chords and don't agree with the procedure.

“There are training classes and other behavior modification methods that can help to prevent the need for debarking surgery.”

Jayme Sloan, owner of Linus, a Westminster Terrier, believes that canine devocalization is only necessary if it is a severe situation.

“I don’t like the concept of devocalization,” Sloan said. “Dogs need to be able to convey to their owner how they are feeling, and an animal’s voice is the main source of that communication. Unless all other options have been attempted, or it is an extreme case, canine devocalization seems to be a preventable practice.”

The Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association (HSVMA) is working with the Coalition to Protect and Rescue Pets, an all-volunteer network of Massachusetts pet owners, humane societies and veterinarians, to support H.B. 344, a bill to ban the devocalization of dogs and cats in the state of Massachusetts. This proposed bill in Massachusetts would ban canine devocalization in all cases except when it's medically necessary. Although several states already have laws relating to devocalization surgery, most states do not.

To support the ban of canine devocalization visit: Outlaw the Cruel Practice of Canine Devocalization.

Views and perspectives on canine devocalization have transformed over the years. What was once considered to be acceptable forms of animal care has now shifted. Public position on this procedure will continue to evolve and progress as more advanced veterinary techniques and procedures are implemented.