In last week’s Press, a “Consider This” submitted by Prospect Hill Road resident Bonnie Chandler argued that a bill before the Massachusetts Legislature, H.344 to ban dog devocalization surgery, or debarking, was based on false information. The article sparked several comments on the Press website. Although the names of those who post are anonymous, the Press has verified that the comments were made by different users. Excerpts of the comments appear below. They can be read in their entirety at Opinion –> ConsiderThis –>Consider_This_Debarking_bill_is_a_lie.
“Dr. Rosset” said: “This article is so true—it is painful to watch our representatives listen to a cult. … For an entire body of lawmakers to succumb to the lies of a cult shows how low the media has become as a truth seeker.
“Moderate Senior who votes” said: “Dr. Rosset is absolutely correct in the above summation. … Here’s more … about how our representatives let us down: Some of us who opposed this bill were refused access to our elected representatives. …As we visited their staff, we were refused even copies of the amended version before it went to a vote. We were told it was not ready. However, when we had an elected official walk into the exact same office a few seconds later to request a copy, it was magically ready.
“Dr. Kolster” commented: “This article is an honest picture of the truth of bark softening surgery. It is an uncommon surgery that [few] veterinarians, let alone legislators or the general public, have any significant experience with or knowledge of. This bill is promoting the animal rights agenda by attempting to scare legislators with lies.
“hollykelly” said: “Thank you for bringing some sanity to this issue! This is a medical procedure and should be decided by the owner and the dog’s veterinarian. Dogs do not have vocal cords—nothing is cut. They do have 2 vocal flaps; the procedure involves putting a hole in one using either a laser or a biopsy punch. This is much better than euthanizing the dog for excessive barking. The dog is not silenced; the bark is just quieter.
“Elizabeth” commented: “… This type of legislation is the equivalent of Prohibition—a small minority that believes they ‘know best’ and have the right to pass laws to tell others how they can live their lives. It is totally un-American and I hope the governor has the sense to veto this and send it packing.”
“petluvr” said: “This an excellent article with much truth in it. I am not a citizen of your state, but this is on its way to my state soon. I certainly hope the governor will depend on logic instead of emotion.”
“Gael S” commented: Thank you, Bonnie, for one of the few common sense articles on this touchy subject. I am glad I don’t live in Massachusetts, as I can’t imagine having legislators so totally unable to think rationally for themselves. Not one voice of reason amongst the lot!
“EASW” said: “This article is absolutely true. What a pitiful example of legislators who read the media hype and did NO RESEARCH on their own. … When we cannot confer with our veterinarians and follow informed advice, we have entered a dictatorial state. Now that MA has fallen, let’s see how many other states fall for the Kool Aid of “cruelty” that is actually a kindness in many cases.