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Who cares
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Sponsors
3 Co-sponsors
History
- Referred 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 · Agriculture · Sponsor Kenneth Zebrowski
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
BILL NUMBER:S4647
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 or general idea of bill
This bill will prohibit the devocalization of dogs and cats unless there is a medical 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.
Section two of the bill relates to forfeiture of animals.
Section three of the bill authorizes 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.
Prior legislative history
A.1679 of 2015-2016; A.1204 of 2013-2014; A.3431D of 2011-12; A.11684 of 2009-10.
Fiscal implications for state and local governments
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.