I frequently find myself contemplating whether a day will ever arrive when animal mistreatment ceases.
Regrettably, each day acts as a reminder of the harshness some individuals exhibit, particularly towards our vulnerable furry friends.
Through Watson’s tale, I became aware of the distressing practice of debarking.
For those who are unaware, debarking is a surgical procedure in which a portion of a dog’s vocal cords is excised to render them silent.
Watson’s Heartbreaking Tale
Theresa Jack, a lifelong Corgi enthusiast from Utah, took in Watson when he reached three years of age. She always believed Watson’s narrative needed to be shared, so she opted to spotlight him on TikTok to inform others about all he had faced.
Watson previously belonged to another family before Theresa took him in, and they are responsible for his debarking.
According to PETA, debarking or devocalization is a “surgical technique that entails removing a substantial amount of laryngeal tissue, resulting in considerable postoperative discomfort.”
This operation inflicts considerable physical suffering, but it also possesses a profound psychological effect on animals.
They are stripped of their innate methods of communication – their means to convey joy, happiness, pain, and even fear.
His former family relocated to an apartment, and shortly thereafter, Watson’s barking resulted in noise grievances from neighbors.
The housing complex presented the family with an ultimatum – either debark Watson or he would be taken away.
“The family made that choice [to debark] two weeks prior to deciding to rehome him. Consequently, this dog lost both his voice and his family in the same month,” Theresa conveyed in her TikTok post.
She elaborated that for years, she endeavored to avoid casting judgment on the family that opted to debark Watson, but the ramifications of their decisions and what they enacted upon this unfortunate dog are at times simply too overwhelming.
“How can a being endure after such devastating loss?” Theresa contemplated, and I cannot help but share the same sentiment.
In his previous residence, Watson was never aggressive, nor did he ever bite. However, now that he cannot utilize his voice to express his needs following the surgery, he has become snappy and bites.
As per Theresa, Watson must now wear a muzzle in public to ensure he doesn’t hurt others. “I can see the frustration in his eyes. When humans cannot communicate verbally, we use our hands and gestures. When dogs are unable to speak, they resort to using their teeth,” she shared with Newsweek.
Watson’s Legislation to Prohibit Debarking of Animals
Theresa is striving to enhance awareness regarding this procedure and the harm it caused to her cherished dog. She firmly believes that Watson was undeserving of such treatment.
Currently, six states have regulations that limit debarking under certain conditions, yet if you were to inquire with Theresa and Watson, “it ought to be outlawed everywhere”.
“I have experienced Watson’s condition firsthand, yet I often forget how painful it is for someone encountering him for the first time to learn about his experience. I resolved that it was time for transformation and initiated a petition,” Theresa mentioned.
She established a petition aiming to outlaw the debarking of animals and to deter housing developers from mandating it in the state of Utah, which has garnered over 75,000 signatures.
“Watson was deprived of his voice, and now it is my duty to advocate for him,” Theresa stated.
She aims to secure the passage of Watson’s Law in 2024; however, irrespective of the outcome, she hopes that at the very least, Watson’s narrative will prompt individuals to reconsider subjecting their dogs to such a procedure.