A lawyer has left his job after it was revealed that he suggested a man get his dog's vocal cords cut out to stop noise complaints.
Debarking is a controversial surgical procedure that involves removing laryngeal tissue from a dog, and it is illegal in the UK.
In the US, the legality of the practice depends on state laws, though animal welfare experts condemn the idea.
The assistant district attorney - who remains unnamed - worked for Graham County in North Carolina when he suggested that Michael Eddings have his seven-year-old dog Leo put under the knife.
Mr Eddings passionately rejected the suggestion, blasting it "crazy" and "inhumane", reports WLOS.
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The procedure requires putting a dog under general anaesthesia and can leave them at risk of infection, scarring and difficulty breathing.
The animal may also suffer from emotional issues after their means of expression is removed.
On Friday, Graham County District Attorney Ashley Welch said: "I have confirmed that an assistant district attorney in my district suggested, as a possible solution to violations of a town’s noise ordinance, that a dog's vocal cords be surgically altered.
"Whether offered in jest or seriousness, the suggestion was inappropriate. I am unable to offer additional comment as this is now a personnel matter."
On Tuesday, it was confirmed by Ms Welch that the lawyer no longer works for the county - though it is unclear if they were fired.
Ms Welch said she did not "condone, support or approve" of the individual's suggestion.
The proposal was offered as a solution following multiple noise complaints issued to Mr Eddings from his neighbours, who believed Leo barked too loud.
Mr Eddings explained that Leo's bark "does travel" but it's "because he's 120 pounds", and many of his neighbour's dogs bark too.
The man believed it was "ridiculous" to single his pet out.
The dog owner was horrified by the plea deal offered by the assistant district attorney.
He said he was "willing to negotiate" but refused to put a barking collar on Leo or send him to have surgery.
Mr Eddings has received more than £600 in citations and lawyer costs so far. His next court appearance is scheduled for October.
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