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This code aims to protect the welfare of dogs from indiscriminate debarking and to encourage considerate management of debarked dogs. This Code is complementary to and should be read in conjunction with Clause 9(l) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act which prohibits debarking of dogs except by and on the advice of a registered veterinary practitioner and in accordance with this Code of Practice. Meaning of debarking For the purposes of this Code 'debarking' means the surgical operation performed by a registered veterinary practitioner to reduce the noise of a dog's bark. When a dog is debarked its ability to communicate with other animals and human beings is reduced. Most debarked dogs have a subdued "husky" bark, audible up to 20 metres. Circumstances in which a dog may be debarked This code recognises that debarking a dog may be necessary for therapeutic or prophylactic effects, or as an alternative to euthanasia for a dog declared to be a public nuisance because it barks persistently. A dog is a public nuisance where – there have been written complaints from the occupiers of not less than two neighbouring residences or in isolated areas two written complaints from persons occupying the same residence, submitted to the Municipal offices, and investigation by an authorised officer of the municipality confirms that despite every reasonable effort by the owner to discourage the dog from barking by considerate care, training and management the dog continues to bark persistently. This Code does not approve of debarking as a substitute for proper care, management and training of a dog. When management changes and training are undertaken, sufficient time should always be allowed for behaviour changes in a dog to be evident. Responsibilities of the owner in the case of a dog which is a public nuisance An owner who intends to have a dog debarked BECAUSE IT IS A PUBLIC NUISANCE must first complete a Statutory Declaration to the effect that the dog is a public nuisance because of its persistent barking and that every reasonable effort has been made to discourage the dog from barking by considerate care, training and management. The owner is to further declare that the only alternative to debarking the dog is to have it destroyed. A model Statutory Declaration is attached. The owner must also obtain from the Chief Executive Officer (or delegate) of the Council of the Municipal District in which the dog is registered a written declaration which certifies that -
A model declaration is attached (Appendix). The Registered Veterinary Practitioner who is to perform the debarking operation is required to notify the Bureau of Animal Welfare within 7 days of each such operation. A model declaration is attached. In the case of a licensed scientific establishment, the Statutory Declaration may be accompanied by a certificate from the Bureau of Animal Welfare in lieu of a certification by the Chief Executive Officer (or equivalent) of the Municipality. Any dog found to be a persistent barker during its holding and preparation period should not be held for scientific purposes. Responsibilities of the registered veterinary practitioner Before agreeing to perform a debarking operation the registered veterinary practitioner should consider the history and physical condition of the dog and arrangements for post-operative care and management. If the welfare of a dog after debarking is likely to be jeopardised because it is not able to attract attention to discomfort or danger, the dog should not be debarked. The recommended method for debarking The recommended method for debarking (ventriculocordectomy) is by using a ventral laryngotomy approach as compared to the oral approach. The two primary post-operative complications of either procedure are return to bark and stricture or “webbing” of the glottis. Some return of the bark can be expected after ventriculocordectomy especially with the oral approach. The ventral approach gives more consistent and satisfactory results because it permits better exposure and, generally, more complete removal of the vocal cords. Owners of dogs who request “debarking” should be advised of the possible complications. The registered veterinary practitioner must be certain that clients understand the risks and limitations of the procedure before accepting the case. The registered veterinary practitioner should also advise the owner or person-in-charge on the care and management of a debarked dog. It may not be necessary to completely separate a debarked dog from other dogs but care should always be taken soon after the operation or with dogs which are unfamiliar to the debarked dog. Appendices:
Approved by the Governor in Council 16 March 1999 Issued by the Minister for Agriculture and Resources Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 Published in the Government Gazette 12 August 1999 Gazette Number G32 The advice provided in this publication is intended as a source of information only. Always read the label before using any of the products mentioned. The State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.
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© The State of Victoria, 1996 - 2008.
This document was published on 26/10/2008.