Some dog owners turn to controversial surgery to keep their pets quiet

Some dog owners whose pets barkbarkbark all the time turn to trainers or the Cesar Millan section of the bookstore. Others have forced their dogs to undergo a controversial surgery known as devocalization, a procedure that involves removing the animal's vocal cords. Animal activists, led by Sue Perry — whose rescue dog was almost killed by complications of devocalization — are pushing for the surgery to be outlawed by the American Veterinary Medical Association (it is already illegal in two states). The whole thing boils down to personal responsibility," veterinarian and ban supporter Dr. Alex Klein said. "If you … get a dog that barks, the answer is not to cut its vocal chords out. You work with a trainer." [Source]

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