Logan's Law: Severely Limits Devocalization of Dogs & Cats

On April 22, 2010, Gov. Deval Patrick signed St.2010, c.82: An Act to Prohibit Devocalization of Dogs and Cats, also known as Logan's Law. The Act stipulates that unless the procedure is done to treat disease, injury or birth defects, there is a substantial penalty. "(b) Whoever performs, or causes to be performed, the surgical devocalization of a dog or cat shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than 5 years or imprisonment in a house of correction for not more than 2½ years, or by a fine of not more than $2,500 or by both such fine and imprisonment. In addition to this penalty, the court may order that any person who violates this section shall successfully complete a course of instruction relative to the humane treatment of animals or be barred from owning or keeping a dog or cat or sharing a residence with another who owns or keeps a dog or cat for a period of time as determined by said court. " For more information on animals, see our Law About Animals and Law About Veterinary Practice.