On Monday, February 14th, the Warwick City Council will consider an ordinance (Amended PCO 29-10) to prohibit the debarking of a dog or cat unless a veterinarian states in writing that the surgery is medically necessary. A revised version does allow the “illness” to be physical or behavioral, but this language is vague and it is unclear what would constitute a behavioral illness. The new draft also requires that veterinarians report the number of surgical devocalizations they perform each year to the Board of Veterinary Medicine. Responsible owners and breeders are encouraged to attend this meeting and ask city council members to leave this decision between owners and their veterinarians.
Much misinformation exists about the devocalization of dogs. It is a minor, noninvasive procedure that softens a dog’s bark. The dog may still bark, but at a volume that is not as offensive to the owners’ neighbors and the community. Debarking should only be performed by a qualified, licensed veterinarian after other behavioral modifications to correct excessive barking have failed. When performed by a veterinarian, debarking is a viable veterinary procedure that may allow a dog to stay in a loving home, rather than be surrendered to a shelter where it will be housed and/or euthanized at the taxpayers’ expense.
As with other medical decisions, the decision to debark a dog is one that is best left to the dog owner and his veterinarian, and should not be subject to arbitrary government restrictions. The AKC is not alone in these beliefs—the American Veterinary Medical Association also believes that debarking is a viable final alternative to euthanization. Their position statement can be viewed here.
What You Can Do
· Attend the Warwick City Council Committee Meeting on February 14th and ask them to oppose this ordinance.
Warwick City Council Committee Meeting
Date: Monday, February 14th
Time: 7pm
Location: Warwick City Hall
Lower Level Conference Room
3275 Post Road
Warwick, Rhode Island 02886
· Contact the Warwick Mayor and City Council and ask them to oppose this ordinance.
Mayor Scott Avedisian
3275 Post Road
Warwick, Rhode Island 02886
(401) 738-2000 x6200
mayorsoffice@warwickri.com
WARD 1 - Councilman Steven Colantuono
251 Country Club Drive
Warwick, Rhode Island 02888
Phone: (401)941-9399
Email: saco13@verizon.net
WARD 2 - Council President Bruce Place
140 Park View Avenue
Warwick, RI 02888-2540
Phone: 467-8734
Email: bdplace@verizon.netThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
bruce.s.place@warwickri.com
WARD 3 – Councilwoman Camille Vella-Wilkinson (D)
786 Church Avenue
Warwick, RI 02889
Phone: 401.739.8804
Email: vellawilkinson@gmail.com
WARD 4 - Councilman Joseph J. Solomon
180 Shawomet Ave.
Warwick, RI 02889
Phone: 739-2291
Email: JOSEPH.J.SOLOMON@warwickri.com
WARD 5 - Councilman John DelGiudice
111 Verndale Avenue
Warwick, RI 02889-3243
Phone: 390-2992
Email: Johnd1025@verizon.netThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
WARD 6 - Councilwoman Donna M. Travis
733 Oakland Beach Avenue
Warwick, 02889
Home - 738-9774
Email: Donna.M.Travis@warwickri.com
WARD 7 - Councilman Charles J. Donovan, Jr.
346 Potters Ave
Warwick RI 02886
Phone: 739-6784
Email: CHARLES.J.DONOVAN.JR@warwickri.com
WARD 8 - Councilman Raymond E. Gallucci
655 Commonwealth Avenue
Warwick, RI 02886-2788
Phone: 737-9477
Email: raymond.e.gallucci@warwickri.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
raygallucciward8@cox.net
WARD 9 - Councilman Steve Merolla
229 Castle Rocks Road
Warwick, RI 02886
Home: 499-4140
Office: 739-2900 ext. 306
Email: STEVEN.B.MEROLLA@warwickri.com
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Robert
www.TheAnimalLawyer.com
