HOUSE BILL NO. 4593

May 15, 2019, Introduced by Reps. Sneller, Sabo, Hammoud, Garza, Brann, Tyrone Carter, Manoogian, Sowerby, Kuppa, Cambensy, Hertel, Whitsett and Brixie and referred to the Committee on Agriculture.

"Public health code,"

(MCL 333.1101 to 333.25211) by adding section 18830.

the people of the state of michigan enact:

Sec. 18830. (1) A veterinarian shall not perform a devocalization procedure on an animal unless the veterinarian determines that the procedure is for a therapeutic purpose.

(2) If a veterinarian determines that a devocalization procedure is for a therapeutic purpose, the veterinarian shall prepare and file with the board a written statement that states the purpose for performing the procedure and provides the name and address of the animal's owner. The veterinarian shall also provide a copy of the statement to the animal's owner.

(3) As used in this section:

(a) "Devocalization" means a procedure on the larynx or vocal cords of an animal that causes the reduction or elimination of vocal sounds produced by that animal.

(b) "Therapeutic purpose" means a purpose that is medically necessary to treat or relieve an illness, disease, or injury or to correct a congenital abnormality that is causing or may cause the animal physical pain or harm.

Enacting section 1. This amendatory act takes effect 90 days after the date it is enacted into law.