[ SHOWGSD-L ] Letter from AKC to MA Governor re: Debarking Bill

From: Stormy Hope <Stormy435@xxxxxxx>
To: Showgsd GSD List <showgsd-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Mon, 12 Apr 2010 13:54:51 -0700
Monday, April 12, 2010


The Honorable Deval Patrick

Governor, Commonwealth of Massachusetts

State House

Office of the Governor

Room 280

Boston, MA 02133


RE:  Oppose Senate Bill 2359, Act Prohibiting Debarking of Dogs


Dear Governor Patrick:


On behalf of the thousands of responsible dog owners and breeders in  
Massachusetts, I respectfully write you with grave

concerns about Senate Bill 2359, which seeks to ban the surgical  
devocalization of dogs.  The American Kennel Club (AKC)

and the Massachusetts Federation of Responsible Dog Owners both oppose  
SB 2359 and encourage you to return the bill to

the General Court without your signature.


The American Kennel Club (AKC) was established in 1884 to promote the  
study, breeding, exhibiting, and advancement of

purebred dogs.  We represent over 4,600 dog clubs nationally,  
including 110 clubs in Massachusetts comprised of thousands

of Massachusetts residents and taxpayers.  Our mission includes  
promoting responsible dog ownership and working to

protect the rights of all dog owners.


Much misinformation exists about debarking of dogs.  When performed by  
a veterinarian, debarking is an acceptable medical

procedure that is often done as a “last resort” when all other methods  
of modifying a dog’s behavior have failed.  For many

responsible owners, debarking is the only alternative to euthanizing  
or surrendering their canine companion to a local

shelter when their pet’s noisy behavior continually disturbs the  
community.  The decision to debark a dog is one that is

best left to the owner and his veterinarian.  The AKC is not alone in  
these beliefs—the American Veterinary Medical

Association believes that debarking is a viable final alternative to  
euthanization

(http://www.avma.org/issues/policy/animal_welfare/devocalization.asp)  
and the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical

Association (http://www.massvet.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=119 
) opposes HB 344, the substantive

original of SB 2359.


If enacted as currently written, SB 2359 will most certainly result in  
the unnecessary deaths of innocent animals.  The

American Kennel Club believes that government should not decide what  
valid veterinary medical procedures can or cannot

be done based on anecdotal evidence—as was done regarding SB 2359— 
especially if that procedure may prevent the

unnecessary execution of innocent animals.  The American Kennel Club  
implores you to return SB 2359 to the General Court

without your signature.  We encourage you to recommend that the  
General Court permit debarking in “last resort”

circumstances.


Sincerely,


Sheila Goffe

Director, Government Relations


Cc:  Senate President Theresa Murray

  House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo


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[ SHOWGSD-L ] Letter from AKC to MA Governor re: Debarking Bill

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