| Columbus, OH. March 14– Pit bulls
and other dogs that have bitten people or other animals are considered
vicious dogs in Ohio, but a new trend has some state lawmakers even
more concerned.
The practice of destroying the voice box, or debarking the animals,
was the focus of discussion at the state house.
The dogs are often associated with other crimes and making them
silent can actually make them more dangerous.
Pit bulls are the only dog specifically singled out by the state
of Ohio as a vicious breed. The pit bull by its very nature the
state considers inherently dangerous.
Today at the state house a bill that would outlaw the practice of
de-barking vicious dogs was the focus of intense discussion.
De-barking is accomplished by destroying the vocal cords in these
animals, either by severing them during a controlled surgery or
in more crude backyard procedures that may include ramming a red
hot steel rod down the dogs throat that sear the voice box and silence
the dogs forever.
According to supporters of the bill, the procedure only succeeds
in turning them into silent killers. The bills sponsor, Republican
Bill Olman says dog fighting and the illegal drug trade is fueling
the spread of these silenced and dangerous dogs.
The bill also has the support of the Ohio Veterinarian Medical Association.
The support came after language was added that would limit liability
to vets who silence dogs that are not considered vicious.
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