Cruel. Inhumane. Unnecessary. After yellow Labrador Stella's vocal cords are slashed, espensive corrective surgery is required to save her life. But nothing can save her voice. Stella, like many dogs who undergo devocalization — a surgery of convenience for humans annoyed by barks, cries, yelps — struggles to breathe post-procedure. Scar tissue obstructs 50 percent of her airway. Devocalization is essentially a maiming that benefits humans, never animals. The bloody laceration leaves dogs or cats mute, some with impaired breathing for life.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has historically sanctioned devocalization, cutting vocal cords to stifle a dog or cat's voice. A dangerous, painful surgery even in the hands of qualified vets, devocalization is brutal punishment for the “crime” of communication. No vet should ever do this to an animal. No veterinary association should ever condone it. But while AVMA discourages devocalization, it “considers medically therapeutic laryngeal surgery, performed by qualified, licensed veterinarians, to be appropriate veterinary care.” Despite public outcry, AVMA's Executive Board has proposed a new policy that will entrench veterinary support for devocalization. AVMA's proposed policy is up for vote soon. Take action. Your effort can spare dogs and cats from the cruelest cut.

AVMA's policy protects veterinary, breeding and animal research industries that profit from devocalization — but not animals who undergo needless surgery with long-term risk for breathing and swallowing problems, gagging, coughing… or even death. Animals may suffer pain, stress and repeat surgeries. And sadly, stealing a cat's meow or a dog's bark does not ensure a home. In some cases, the mutilation leads to euthanasia or abandonment. Ask AVMA to adopt the position of concerned veterinarians who oppose vocal cord surgery under all circumstances, except to treat a life-threatening ailment like cancer. Call-Fax-Email-Tweet. Tell AVMA: “Stop justifying cruelty. No vet should cut vocal cords to stifle a dog or cat's voice! No veterinary association should back it for any reason.“