The Oregon Court of Appeals ruled Wednesday that a southern Oregon couple must quiet their incessantly barking dogs by sending them to the vet to have their voices surgically squelched.
The Appeals Court ruled “debarking” surgery is an appropriate solution to a noisy and relentless problem that neighbors living next to the dogs have had to endure for more than a decade on their rural property outside Grants Pass.
Debarking operations, also known as devocalization, are highly controversial. Groups such as the Oregon Humane Society and American Humane have spoken out against them. Six states have outlawed the procedure under certain circumstances, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
The surgery involves cutting the vocal cords. Opponents say removing a dog or cat's prime means of communication is cruel and unnecessary. Proponents say if done correctly, it can save problematic animals from being euthanized and still allow them to express themselves with a soft, raspy bark or muffled squeak.
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12 comments:
I have two dogs and yes they do bark from time to time, but they behave when I am with them outside and at night I only keep them out long enough to do their business and then it's back into the house. I think the problem is with people who leave their dogs outside all the time. I think this all to do with the dog owners. My neighbor has two golden retrievers and you would never know they were there because they also do the same. If you take them out for a walk and get them some exercise, they will usually quite down. Dogs will also bark because they are lonely or to let other dogs know of their territory. If someone trespasses into my yard or comes into my home, I am grateful that they can bark to let me know.
Can it be done on people? I have a couple of candidates in mind.
Ok I got it irresponsible owners. What about these idiots and the car stereos. Why can nothing be done about these a--hats?
Our neighbors lawn ornament barks 24/7. If we complain the dog gets punished. So we don't complain.
Sad this judge is such an idiot that he punishes the dog because of the negligent owners.
Such a pathetic sad world we live in.
Clearly this dog is bored, they should be made to keep him inside.
They make dog collars that will shock the dog when it barks. This will train the dog not to bark. This is better than cutting its vocal cords.
Oh wow. Dumb and wrong ruling. The courts have already found that lifeestock guardian dog breeds fall under right to farm. Sounds like all these dogs are doing is their job-protecting sheep from predators. LGD breeds bark as a warning for predators to know they are there and on duty. The complainers need to move to a condo in the city.
The owners live on 3-4 acres of land and have some sheep and goats. Not really a farming operation and definitely not needing 5 herding dogs. Sounds like a bunch of west coast hippies that get high all day and can't figure out why thier neighbors hate them.
We should cut the vocal cords of the judge who said this
This is not right that is cruelty to the dog and should be illegal. If the dog is daily given enough food and water every day, and the noise doesn't stop take the dog away and give to an owner that maybe lives in the country far enough from close neighbors and traffic, or better yet that they let it live inside with the family.
I wouldn't do it & that judge would hear from me for animal cruelty. I'd move first!
I used a coffee can with coins to rattle & broke my 6 yo rescue of barking with every falling leaf. Didn't take long, either.
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