ANIMAL DEVOCALIZATION

Amends the Humane Care for Animals Act. Provides that no person, except a veterinarian licensed in this State, using anesthesia, may surgically debark or silence a dog or cat. Provides that a veterinarian conducting a debarking procedure must file a written certification with the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, stating that the surgical debarking or silencing is medically necessary to treat or relieve an illness, disease, or injury, or correct a congenital abnormality that is causing or will cause the dog or cat medical harm or pain. Provides that violation of this provision is a Class 3 felony and may have a fine of not more than $2,500 imposed or imprisoned up to 5 years, or both fined and imprisoned.