Imagine if your own beloved dog had to endure this. Please pledge to help stop this cruel practice. Start by signing the petition to Outlaw Canine Devocalization.

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/192425248

Target: U.S. House of Representatives
Sponsored by: Care2
Would you ever silence a family member? Some people silence their dogs through devocalization, a painful surgery that cuts the vocal cords through the animal's oral cavity or an incision in the neck.

This procedure creates serious health risks for the animals, including hemorrhaging, coughing, gagging, aspiration, trouble swallowing and problems breathing. Furthermore, devocalization leaves pets unable to communicate when something is wrong, which may put them and/or humans in harm.

Devocalization does not fix problems at home or change the animal's needs. Owners must take responsibility for their pets and address the roots of the problem instead of cruelly silencing their animals.

A 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. Call on your representatives to propose national legislation banning non-medical devocalization nationwide!

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/192425248