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- Print number 6167c
- Amend and recommit to agriculture
- Print number 6167b
- Amend and recommit to agriculture
- Print number 6167a
- Amend and recommit to agriculture
- Referred to agriculture
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Restricts the performance of surgical devocalization procedures on dogs and cats
In Senate Committee · Rules · Sponsor Kenneth Zebrowski
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
BILL NUMBER:S6167C
Title of bill
An act to amend the agriculture and markets law, in relation to restricting the performance of surgical devocalization procedures on dogs and cats
Purpose of the bill
This bill will prohibit the devocalization of dogs and cats unless it medically necessary to correct a physical condition that requires the procedure.
Summary of provisions
Section one of the bill creates section 365-a in the agriculture and markets law that prohibits the devocalization of cats and dogs unless medically necessary.
Subsection two of the bill relates to circumstances where devocalization surgery is allowed including treatment or relief from a physical illness, disease or injury.
Subsection three of the bill relates to including information regarding the medical necessity of the procedure in the animal's treatment record. Any person who performs a procedure shall report the aggregate number of procedures to the commissioner of education.
Subsection four of this bill relates to the definition of devocalization.
Subsection five of this bill relates to the penalties associated with the violation of section 365-a.
Section 2 of the bill amends the agriculture and markets law, as it relates to adding section 365-a that will allow additional penalties for a violation of section 365-a including forfeiting ownership of the animal.
Section 3 of the bill allows the commissioner of agriculture and markets and the commissioner of education to promulgate rules and regulations to enforce this section.
Justification
The devocalization of animals is an invasive procedure that involves the surgical removal of a dog or cat's vocal cords. This procedure often leads to serious and long term respiratory and throat ailments. It silences the dog or cat and prevents communication between other animals and their owners.
This bill will outlaw "convenience" devocalization and restrict the invasive surgery for cases where it is medically necessary to treat or relieve an illness or injury.
An October 2010 AP poll surveyed over 1,040 pet owners nationwide and found that 90% think it is "not okay" to devocalize a dog or cat.
Prior legislative history
A.11684 of 2009-10.
Fiscal implications for state
None.
Effective date
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall become law.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.