Criminalizing Veterinary Procedures Across the State of New York

A11684 outlawing humane bark softening will kill dogs

On August 4, 2010, Assemblymember Kenneth Zebrowski (D-New City), introduced A11684.

The proposal to ban a veterinary care option available to dog owners in consultation with their veterinarians criminalizes humane "bark softening".

Accomplished by licensed veterinarians, the procedure is an unusual measure occasionally used as a last resort by dog owners desperate to prevent uncontrollable, loud and frequent barking which has become an issue with their neighbors and within their communities.

A11684 subjects both dog owner and veterinarian to severe sanctions and penalties.

The American Veterinary Medicine Association policy does not support proposals such as A11684.

For a further analysis of this unreasonable and pointless curtailment of the ability of caring dog owners to humanely and safely address an unusual and intractable behavioral issue, please refer to Dog Federation of New York member Susan Beals' analysis of the misrepresentations, weak basis in "fact" and unanticipated negative consequences of Assemblymember Zebrowski's poorly-considered proposal.

The Dog Federation of New York always encourages dog owners to be sensitive to the concerns of their neighbors and community.

When other measures have failed, "bark softening" may be the last option for dog owners struggling to keep a beloved pet in their home, and out of over-burdened shelters which may have no choice but to kill a dog that barks too much.