Debarking

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Debarking, or devocalization, is a controversial surgical procedure in dogs that permanently stops a dog from barking through surgery. Debarking reduces the volume and pitch of a dog's bark making it sound more as if the dog is hoarse or whispering. This is done in response to problematic amounts of barking. Up to 35% of dog owners report problems with barking, which can cause disputes and legal problems[1].

Contents 1 Procedure 2 Ethics 3 References 4 See also 5 External links

[edit] Procedure

The controversial surgical procedure known as 'de-barking' is a veterinary procedure for modifying the voice box so that a barking dog will make a significantly reduced noise.

[edit] Ethics

Animal rights organisations have strongly opposed debarking. Those who have the procedure done claim their dogs are non-responsive to other therapies. There have been no demonstrated psychological impacts on debarked dogs.^{[citation needed]} The procedure is illegal in the UK.

[edit] References

• Landsberg, Gary: Declawing and Debarking: What are the Alternatives?.
• http://www.dogpatch.org/sheltie/barking.html

[edit] See also

• Bark (dog)

[edit] External links

• National Animal Interest Alliance: Debarking Myths and Facts