I’m glad to share the news that Massachusetts lawmakers have done the right thing and become the first to ban so-called “debarking” surgery. The surgery removes the vocal chords of dogs and cats to prevent them from barking and meowing.

The ban will mean that anyone caught devocalising an animal for non-medical reasons faces up to five years in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.

Governor Deval Patrick signed the bill in April and it came into force today (July 21). It is known as Logan’s Law after a dog that suffered health problems after undergoing the controversial surgery.

Hopefully other states will follow the example of Massachusetts.