Restricts the performance of surgical devocalization procedures on dogs and cats

1 Co-sponsor

• Joseph E. Robach

BILL NUMBER:S2965

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

This bill would restrict the performance of surgical devocalization procedures on dogs and cats.

Summary of provision

Section 1 Amends the agriculture and markets law by adding a new section 365-a.

Section 2 - Amends paragraph a of subdivision 8 of section 374 of the agriculture and markets law, as amended by chapter 594 of the laws of 2003 and such subdivision as renumbered by chapter 479 of the laws of 2009.

Section 3 - Authorizes and directs the commissioner of agriculture and markets and the commissioner of education to promulgate and implement all rules, regulations and standards they respectively deem necessary to enforce the provisions of this act on or before the effective date of this act.

Section 4 - Effective date.

Justification

The devocalization of animals is an invasive procedure that involves the surgical removal of a dog or cat's vocal cords which often leads to serious long term respiratory issues.

This bill will outlaw "convenience" devocalization and restrict the invasive surgery for cases unless it would result in putting the animal down.

Legislative history

S.2271 - 2013-14

Fiscal implications

None

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have become a law.