On March 3, the Massachusettes House voted 155 to one in favor of a bill that would end the surgical devocalization of dogs and cats, also known as de-barking or silencing. The bill provides exemptions for surgery for animals with congenital defects, disease, or injury. Medically necessary devocalization surgery would require certification from a licensed veterinarian. The procedure involves cutting vocal cords, which can result in excessive scar tissue that interferes with eating and drinking. Representative Lida Harkins, D-Needham, authored the bill, co-sponsored by Rep. Bill Bowles, D-Attleboro. The bill now goes to Senate for approval.