Last Wednesday, July 21, Massachusetts became the first state in the U.S. to ban routine devocalization surgery on cats and dogs. When performed on dogs, the procedure is commonly called debarking.

The law, approved April 22, 2010, prohibits the procedure that cuts the vocal chords or larynx of a dog or cat unless it is medically necessary. A copy of the original Massachusetts House of Representatives bill as filed Jan. 12, 2009, is available here.

My personal view is that this is a good thing. Dogs bark, cats meow, if you don't realize that, you shouldn't be buying or adopting one of these animals.

There are some people who think banning this procedure will contribute to dogs being euthanized. Beth Coughlin is one such person. She makes some interesting points and points out Shetland sheepdogs (Shelties) as a breed that would suffer.

Shelties are yappers and I can see how that would get on your nerves, but having an unnecessary surgery performed should not be the way to handle this. If you don't have an appropriate living situation for the breed dog, don't get that breed.

If circumstances throw you into an inappropriate situation for having a yapper, try behavior training and medication before considering a surgical procedure.

Here is another good representation of both sides of the issue with a Kansas State University professor at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital and a Sheltie breeder/author/AKC judge.