What Devocalization Is
Devocalization (ventriculocordectomy, “debarking”) is the surgical removal or ablation of a dog's vocal cords. After the procedure, dogs can still open their mouths and attempt to vocalize, but produce only a hoarse rasp or whisper.
The purpose in laboratory settings is noise reduction. Beagles are vocal dogs. A building housing hundreds produces significant sound levels. Rather than address the conditions that cause distress barking, the industry removes the dogs' ability to be heard.
The Ridglan Farms Practice
Key Finding
At Ridglan Farms, devocalization was performed without anesthesia, using succinylcholine (a paralytic that immobilizes but provides zero pain relief), by non-veterinarians, on 30-40 dogs per month.
No anesthesia
Dogs were given succinylcholine — a paralytic agent. They were fully conscious and could feel everything. They could not move, cry out, or resist.
Non-veterinarians
Facility workers including Hiltbrandt and Olson performed the procedures. They were not licensed veterinarians.
30-40 per month
The procedures were routine, not exceptional. Tracked on a whiteboard in the facility.
Elevated risk
Without proper anesthesia and training: hemorrhage, aspiration of blood, incomplete removal, excessive tissue damage.
Veterinary Position
AVMA
Formally discourages devocalization as a “convenience procedure.” Should be performed only as last resort, under general anesthesia, by a licensed veterinarian.
Dr. Sherstin Rosenberg
Described the Ridglan practice as “mutilation.” Performing ventriculocordectomy using a paralytic agent and no anesthesia is an act of cruelty regardless of setting.
State bans
Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and others have banned or restricted devocalization of dogs — though research facility exemptions often apply.
Alternatives
Soundproofing
Acoustic panels, separated housing areas, sound-dampening kennel construction.
Environmental enrichment
Less-stressed dogs bark less. Social housing, outdoor access, toys, varied routines.
Behavioral conditioning
Positive reinforcement protocols can reduce excessive barking — requires trained staff.
Breed selection
Some facilities select for quieter temperaments — raises its own ethical questions.
Why This Matters
Removing a dog's voice is, literally, silencing it. The dogs cannot bark, cannot howl, cannot alert to their own distress. Devocalization is not medically necessary. It does not benefit the animal. It is performed entirely for the convenience of the humans operating the facility.