THIS ALERT IS CLOSED. It is a live archive
to use
as a letter-writing example and for background research.
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We couldn't have done it without Kinship Circle. "Dear Kinship Circle — On April 22, 2010 Gov. Deval Patrick signed Logan’s Law, making Massachusetts the first state in the nation with an effective law banning the cruel practice of canine and feline devocalization — cutting vocal cords to suppress the voice. Coalition to Protect and Rescue Pets couldn’t have done it without Kinship Circle. The Coalition is an all-volunteer, unfunded advocacy network with statewide reach; but passing legislation against opposition from the AKC and state veterinary association required far greater numbers. The powerhouse animal welfare organizations in Massachusetts refused to help. Luckily for animals, Kinship Circle stepped up. You rallied your members at every stage of the 15-month legislative process. Whenever you were asked to put the word out, you unhesitatingly did. Animal lovers in Massachusetts are very grateful to Kinship Circle for embracing this principle, and for working with the Coalition to put landmark humane legislation on the books. Thank you, Brenda and Kinship Circle!" Sincerely, Sandra Finder, Coalition to Protect and Rescue Pets |
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FRIENDS OF KINSHIP CIRCLE ALERTS are from our
supporters, not
researched/written
by Kinship Circle.
The Massachusetts legislature is considering a bill to ban devocalization — cutting a dog or cat’s vocal cords to suppress his voice. This convenience surgery renders the animal mute, chronically hoarse, wheezy or shrill. Long-term risks include breathing problems, persistent gagging and coughing, difficulty swallowing or even death, regardless of the veterinarian’s skill or how the vocal cords are cut (through the oral cavity or a neck incision). Because tissue regrowth is common, the animal may be subjected to the pain, stress and repeated surgeries. Devocalized dogs and cats don’t benefit. They are abandoned just like other companion animals. Still, devocalization is more common than most people think. Some breeders routinely devocalize to run their businesses without complaints or because they don’t want to hear their own animals. Dogs tend to bark more when kept in groups. An Act Prohibiting Devocalization, House Bill 344 bans devocalization in Massachusetts. The bill is sponsored by Coalition to Protect and Rescue Pets, an unfunded, volunteer network of animal caregivers and compassionate people. It is endorsed by Humane Society Veterinary Medical Assn., more than 200 Massachusetts vets, and many animal shelters statewide. H.B. 344 has stalled in committee for more than three months. Without action, this humane bill will die. WHAT YOU CAN DO
NON-MASSACHUSETTS RESIDENTS: Do not call! We’ve been told non-MA calls can hurt the bill.
State why this bill matters to you and why it should be passed as written, without amendments by special interests that profit from devocalization. Legislators state that there is no guarantee emails will be read. We are told aides often delete them without counting them. Powerful lobbies that profit from devocalization want to kill the bill: Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA), the American Kennel Club-affiliated Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs… and others. Without your voice, animals will continue to be robbed of theirs. |
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STEP 2, MASSACHUSETTS RESIDENTS ONLY: Call your state Representative on Beacon Hill. To find your Massachusetts State Representative try 1-800-462-8683 or www.wheredoivotema.com. HOW TO SEND YOUR COMMENTS:
TO MAIL OR FAX LETTER:
LINKS TO FIND: LEGISLATOR CONTACT INFO |
