Int 0184-2024

Be it enacted by the Council as follows: Section 1. Chapter 1 of title 17 of the administrative code of the city of New York is amended by adding a new section 17-200.1 to read as follows: � 17-200.1 Surgical devocalization of dogs and cats prohibited. a. Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meanings: Medically necessary. The term "medically necessary" means necessary to treat or relieve physical illness, infection, disease, or injury, or to correct a congenital abnormality that is causing or will cause a dog or cat physical harm or pain. Such term does not include cosmetic or aesthetic reasons or reasons of convenience in keeping or handling a dog or cat. Surgical devocalization procedure. The term "surgical devocalization procedure" means any ventriculocordectomy or vocal cordectomy of a dog or cat. b. No person shall perform any surgical devocalization procedure that is not medically necessary. c. Any surgical devocalization procedure that is not prohibited by subdivision b shall be subject to the following requirements: 1. The procedure shall be performed by a licensed veterinarian; and 2. Anesthesia shall be administered to the dog or cat during the surgical devocalization procedure. d. Any person who performs a surgical devocalization procedure in violation of subdivision b or c of this section shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $1000 and not more than $2500 for each such procedure performed. e. A veterinarian who is found to have performed a surgical devocalization procedure in violation of this section shall be reported by the commissioner to the state department of education and board of regents for disciplinary action due to unprofessional conduct pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of section 29.1 of title 8 of the New York codes, rules and regulations or any other applicable provision of such section or a successor provision. � 2. This local law takes effect 120 days after it becomes law. SOS LS #12235 1/12/2024 2 2