Forwarded from CPRPets (Coalition to Protect and Rescue Pets): Please read. Act. Forward.
What Happened to Stella Shouldn’t Happen To Other Dogs—and Cats—in New York. But It Does.
Here’s How You Can Help, No Matter Where You Live.
An AKC breeder had Stella’s vocal cords cut to suppress her voice. Devocalization is cruel. And it’s more common than you think.
Meet Stella:
A state bill to prohibit canine/feline devocalization is now pending in New York. It was introduced by Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski after learning of Massachusetts’ new law banning this cruel surgery. The Assemblyman–who has four rescue dogs!–is determined. BUT…
He’s up against the same powerful lobbies that tried to kill or add loopholes to devocalization bans in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
They include breeders–some order devocalization when they or neighbors don’t want to hear their many animals–and the state veterinary association, which exists to protect its members’ business interests.
The New York League of Humane Voters (LOHV) is leading the charge to pass NY Assembly Bill 3431-A with help from Coalition to Protect and Rescue Pets (CPR Pets), which sponsored Massachusetts’ landmark devocalization ban.
CPR Pets–an unfunded, all-volunteer network of people who care about animals–proved that every humane voice makes a difference. Please use yours now.
New York Dogs and Cats Need Your Help No Matter Where You Live.
We’re Not Asking for Money.
Just Your Voice to Protect Theirs.
1) Live in New York State?
Contact the League of Humane Voters: (peter@lohv.org ) Urge other New York residents who care about animals to do the same. You’ll receive periodic email alerts that tell you how to help end devocalization in your state just by picking up the phone. You may opt-off the list at any time, no questions asked, no hassle.
2) Live Elsewhere?
Forward this email to all your animal-loving friends and family, colleagues and acquaintances in New York State–and throughout the country. Urge them to act now!
Watch and Learn
Meet devocalized dogs and their rescuers:
Hear what vets and shelters say about devocalization:
Hear Porter trying to bark after devocalization:
Fast Facts About Devocalization What are the risks? Devocalization is an invasive procedure that can cause lifelong coughing, gagging and difficulty breathing–or horrific death–regardless of the vet’s skill, the instrument used, including laser, or whether vocal cords are cut through the oral cavity or an incision in the neck. The less-invasive procedure has a higher risk of internal scarring that can block the airway, impairing swallowing and breathing.
Surgery to correct airway obstruction can cost thousands of dollars–and may need to be repeated. Who would have a dog or cat devocalized? People who keep many animals for profit or hobby are the vast majority of those ordering canine/feline devocalization.
Some sell these animals without disclosing they have been devocalized.
Do animals benefit? Devocalized animals–including those no longer useful for breeding or exhibition–are given to shelters and rescue groups for the same reasons as any other dog or cat. They face great risks without any benefit.
