I question the claim that the majority of pet owners oppose “debarking”. I wonder what the results would have been if the poll had been conducted at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show held in NYC this past Monday and Tuesday. The interesting thing about a poll is one can manipulate the results by wording the question in a specific way. Since the poll described “debarking” as removal of a dog’s vocal cords, it manipulated the responses of those who don’t know that this is inaccurate in most cases. The surgery is quick, relative safe and does not leave a dog unable to bark… it merely reduces the volume and or pitch. Dogs can still bark and Australian researchers reported that bark softened dogs can be heard at distances of up to 65 feet.

The surgery involves the vet anesthetizing the dog and going down the throat to make 1-2 small notches in the dog’s vocal folds. There are few complications; far fewer than dogs face when they undergo spay or neuter surgery and with far less inherent health risks as a result.

Bark softening should not be a first response to a dog that barks excessively. But banning the procedure would place those dogs who do not respond to conventional training at risk of abandonment or euthanasia when owners are faced with complaints from neighbors, landlords or the police because of their barking dog(s).

The opposition to bark softening has been spearheaded by animal rights groups such as the Humane Society of the United States, as evidenced by the proliferation of misinformation and blatant lies in the media about this procedure. Shame on the Associated Press for allowing themselves to be lead around on a choke collar.

Thank you for your informed response.
I learned something new.
I don't agree with de-barking or declawing or fixing.
The barking I can sleep through. I've learned over the years to filter it as background noise.

I notice as man expands on this earth the animals find themselves squeezed out and exterminated.

A few months ago, I was in an extremely posh business area to retreive my neice from work.
Low and behold I saw 3 cyotes running across the parking lot looking for food. They were thin and scared. My heart really went out to them because all that they knew was gone.

I agree with you on the abandonment ane euthanasia point. At this very moment there are two very beautiful pit bulls that I believe have been abandoned, living in my neighborhood. One is male (black) and the other female (tan). I see them pass through my yard all the time looking for food and shelter.

I do believe that the human will have to atone for the injustice done to the animal kingdom and the earth "for the sake of progress."

Ha! Ha! LOL!! Love your last comment.