1. (a)

   1. (1) “Devocalize” means to perform a surgical procedure involving cutting, notching, punching, abrading, lasering, suturing, or otherwise physically altering the vocal apparatus of a dog or cat with the intent of altering, reducing, or eliminating vocal sounds produced by the animal.
   2. (2) “Devocalize” includes debarking, devoicing, silencing, ventriculocordectomy, vocal cordectomy, bark reduction, and bark softening.
2. (b) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a person may not surgically devocalize a dog or cat.

3. (c) A licensed veterinarian may surgically devocalize a dog or cat only if:

   1. (1) anesthesia is administered to the animal during the procedure; and

   2. (2) the veterinarian provides the owner or keeper of the animal a written certification that:

      1. (i) states that the procedure on the animal was medically necessary to treat or relieve a physical illness, a disease, or an injury, or to correct a congenital abnormality that is causing or will cause the animal medical harm or pain; and

      2. (ii) contains:

         1. 1. the date and description of the veterinarian's examination and evaluation;
         2. 2. supporting diagnoses and findings;
         3. 3. the name and current address and telephone number of the animal's owner or keeper; and
         4. 4. the name and current address and telephone number, State license number, and signature of the veterinarian.

4. (d) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:

   1. (1) for a first offense, imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both; and
   2. (2) for a second or subsequent offense, imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $2,000 or both.

Added by Acts 2014, c. 186, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2014; Acts 2014, c. 187, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2014.