The New York Senate is expected to vote soon on a ban on “debarking” – a veterinary practice also known as bark softening – unless the procedure is medically necessary to treat an injury, illness, or congenital defect.
New York residents are strongly encouraged to contact your State Senator and express your concerns with Senate Bill 142. Type in your address at this link to find the name and contact information.
AKC opposes Senate Bill 142, which would restrict the rights of responsible dog owners to make viable, safe decisions on behalf of their pets in conjunction with their veterinarians. It also could force some owners to relinquish their dogs to shelters as opposed to keeping them in their home.
View AKC’s previous alert, as well as the key issues page in AKC’s Legislative Action Center for talking points and more information on this issue.
AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) will continue to closely monitor all legislation impacting New York dog owners and provide updates as they become available. For questions or more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.