New Mass. law will give dogs, cats right to bark, meow

"This is so remarkable, the passage of this legislation," said Beth Birnbaum, a member of the Coalition to Protect and Rescue Pets, the organization that originally filed the bill. "Beacon Hill should be congratulated."

The law bans devocalization of dogs and cats except in cases of medical necessity. Before, breeders and pet owners weary of annoying barks and mews could have their animals' vocal cords cut by a veterinarian.

But after Wednesday, devocalization could carry up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500.

Nearly 60 state representatives and senators co-sponsored the bill. The Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association and the Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners opposed the legislation.

So-called debarking procedures can be dangerous for pets, Birnbaum said. Scar tissue in the throat can make it difficult to breathe, leading to a lifetime of wheezing, coughing and choking for some animals, she said. In fact, the law, known as “Logan’s Law,” gets its name from one such pet, the adopted dog of one of the organization’s members, she said.

The law is a victory for animals like Logan, Birnbaum said.

“It’s going to protect animals from a very cruel and unnecessary, painful, and risky procedure,” she said.