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 to correct a congenital abnormality that is causing or will cause the dog or cat medical harm or pain. Provides that a violation is a Class 3 felony for which a fine of not more than $2,500 or imprisonment for up to 5 years, or both, may be imposed.