Oregon State Senate to Consider Debarking Ban

The American Kennel Club Government Relations department has just learned that a bill is moving through the Oregon State Legislature that would ban the practice of debarking unless it is medically necessary to treat an injury, illness, or congenital defect.

The AKC opposes House Bill 3494, which would restrict the rights of responsible dog owners to make viable, safe decisions on behalf of their pets in conjunction with their veterinarians.  Neither the American Kennel Club, nor our Oregon state federation, the National Animal Interest Alliance, or any of our local Oregon clubs were consulted about this legislation.

There is much misinformation about the veterinary surgical procedure of debarking. Debarking is a viable veterinary procedure that may allow a dog owner to keep a dog in its loving home rather than to be forced to euthanize or surrender it to a shelter when the pet’s noisy behavior continually disrupts the community.

Debarking should only be performed under anesthesia by a qualified veterinarian after behavioral medication efforts to correct a dog’s excessive barking have failed. As with other veterinary medical decisions, the decision to debark a dog is best left to individual owners and their veterinarians.

Those who reside or participate in events in Oregon are encouraged to contact their Oregon State Senator and ask him or her to oppose this legislation.

Input your address in the “Find Your Elected Officials” box in the AKC’s Legislative Action Centerto find the name and contact information for your State Senator.

Talking Points:

Read the AKC’s position statement on debarking
Read AKC’s Issue Analysis: Dispelling the Myths of Cropped Ears, Docked Tails, Dewclaws, and Debarking

AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) will continue to closely monitor this legislation and provide updates as they become available. For questions or more information, contact AKC GR at (919) 816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org.