NY A01679

Prohibits surgical devocalization (debarking) of dogs and cats except when medically necessary to treat physical illness, disease, injury, or congenital abnormality causing pain or harm to the animal

Requires that only state-licensed veterinarians may perform devocalization procedures and must document medical necessity in the animal's treatment record

Mandates veterinarians report the aggregate number of devocalization procedures performed annually to the Commissioner of Education by March 30th

Establishes criminal penalties of up to 90 days imprisonment and/or fines up to $500 for knowingly performing illegal devocalization; veterinarians face license revocation or suspension

Takes effect 90 days after becoming law; commissioners of agriculture and markets and education authorized to promulgate necessary rules and regulations