Devocalization is nothing less than the cutting of a dog or cat's vocal cords. It is also known as "debarking", "silencing", or "bark softening". Devocalization is typically done by veterinarians paid by owners, usually breeders, who don't want to hear the dogs or cats they are breeding for profit. Devocalizing also enables breeders to keep more dogs and cats for breeding without disturbing neighbors and even try to escape licensing or other regulation. In short, devocalization is an act of animal cruelty done for convenience and profit.