The New York Senate Agriculture Committee has advanced Senate Bill 142, which seeks to ban “debarking” – a standard veterinary practice also known as bark softening – unless the procedure is medically necessary to treat an injury, illness, or congenital defect.
The bill will now be considered by the full Senate. New York dog owners are strongly encouraged to contact their State Senator and express concerns with Senate Bill 142 (see AKC’s previous alert for more information and talking points).
To get the name and contact information for your State Senator, type in your address at AKC’s Legislative Action Center at www.akcgr.org/officials
For more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.