Sec. 3-30. - Devocalization prohibited.

(a)

No person shall surgically debark or silence a dog or cat, or cause the surgical debarking or silencing of a dog or cat, unless a veterinarian licensed in the State of Rhode Island has filed a written certification with the city animal control officer stating that the surgical debarking or silencing is medically necessary to treat or relieve an illness, disease, or injury, or correct a congenital abnormality that is causing or will cause the dog or cat medical harm or pain.

(b)

The written certification described in subsection (a) shall contain the date and description of the veterinarian's examination and evaluation of the dog or cat, a statement certifying that surgical debarking or silencing is medically necessary to treat or relieve an illness, disease, or injury, or correct a congenital abnormality that is causing or will cause the dog or cat harm or pain; any supporting diagnosis and findings, the name and current address and telephone number of the dog or cat's owner or keeper, and the name and current address and telephone number, state license number, and signature of the veterinarian.

(c)

No person except a veterinarian licensed in this state, using anesthesia, may surgically debark or silence a dog or cat.

(d)

Any person in violation of this section shall be subject to the penalties in section 1-16 of the Code of Ordinances. The municipal court shall have jurisdiction to hear cases involving violations of this section. In addition to any other penalty provided by law, a person convicted under this section may be barred from owning or possessing any animals, or living on the same property with someone who owns or possesses animals, for a period of up to one year, if deemed appropriate by the court.

(e)

Any person or business selling a dog or cat for profit shall disclose whether or not the dog or cat has been surgically debarked or silenced and provide the purchaser with a copy of the veterinarian certification required by subsection (a) above.

(Ch. 522, § I, 1-4-11; Ch. 755, § I, 12-3-19)