MI HB4593

Prohibits veterinarians from performing devocalization procedures on animals unless the procedure is determined to be medically necessary for therapeutic purposes.

Requires veterinarians who perform devocalization for therapeutic purposes to prepare and file a written statement with the board explaining the medical purpose and providing the animal owner's name and address.

Requires veterinarians to provide a copy of the therapeutic purpose statement to the animal's owner.

Defines "devocalization" as a procedure on the larynx or vocal cords that reduces or eliminates vocal sounds produced by an animal.

Defines "therapeutic purpose" as medically necessary treatment for illness, disease, injury, or correction of congenital abnormalities causing or potentially causing physical pain or harm to the animal.

Takes effect 90 days after enactment.