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7/18/2013
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New law will prohibit property owners from requiring tenants to debark, declaw pets
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STATE HOUSE – Gov. Lincoln Chafee has signed into law legislation approved by the General Assembly that will prohibit property owners from requiring “devocalization” and “declawing” of dogs and cats as a condition of occupancy.
Signed into law and taking immediate effect were companion bills introduced in the Senate (2013-S0177) by Senate Majority Leader Dominick J. Ruggerio (D-Dist. 4, Providence, North Providence) and in the House (2013-H5426) by Rep. Patricia A. Serpa (D-Dist. 27, West Warwick, Coventry, Warwick).
“Devocalization” or “debarking” is a surgical procedure that involves opening an animal (usually a dog) at the throat or through the mouth to cut the vocal cords to reduce the sound of barking. The scarring resulting from the procedure can cause the animal to have an obstructed airway.
“Declawing” is the full amputation of the last knuckle of each of a cat’s toes, often involving cutting through the animal’s ligaments, nerves, skin and blood vessels. The amputation may leave the cats not only defenseless, but in constant pain.
Declawing has been termed an “unnecessary mutilation” in the United Kingdom and is illegal in many nations, including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Brazil and Australia. Devocalization is also illegal in much of the world, as well as in the states of Massachusetts and New Jersey.
In 2011, Warwick adopted a city ordinance outlawing devocalization.
As of last September, California law prohibits landlords from requiring tenants to declaw or debark their pets to cut down on noise or property damage. California is the first state to enact such legislation.
Violators could face fines of up to $1,000, be barred from owning or possessing any animals or required to take humane education, pet ownership or dog training classes.
For more information, contact:
Randall T. Szyba, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-2457
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