Massachusetts House passes debarking bill

Boston, Mass.

-- The Massachusetts House of Representatives has voted to ban surgical debarking of dogs and cats unless a licensed veterinarian deems the procedure medically necessary. The vote was nearly unanimous, passing 150-1.

Under the bill, if a veterinarian finds a debarking procedure medically necessary, he or she must file a written certification explaining the necessity.

The bill will next head to the state Senate for approval.