New York may soon become the first state to outlaw cat declawing after lawmakers passed a bill proposing the ban on Tuesday.
Under the new law, several types of cat declawing procedures would be outlawed, except in cases of medical necessity.
The procedures under the ban include cases when pet guardians “think their furniture is more important than their cat,” according to Linda Rosenthal, a Manhattan Democrat and the Assembly sponsor of the bill.
Rosenthal, who has two fully clawed cats named Vida and Kitty, described the procedure as “unnecessary,” “brutal” and “painful.”
Some groups adamantly opposed the bill, including the New York Veterinary Medical Society, which argued that declawing should be permitted “when the alternative is abandonment or euthanasia.”
However, advocates of the bill maintained that declawing is typically done out of convenience, and serves no benefits to cats. They likened the practice to mutilation, and explained that it causes intense, lasting pain to felines.
The passing of the bill was hailed as a “great victory” by New York Director for the Humane Society of the United States, Brian Shapiro, who compared the procedure to amputating a human finger at the first knuckle.
Governor Andrew Cuomo stated that his office will review the bill, which now awaits his signature.
If Cuomo signs the bill, New York State will join several cities that have outlawed the cruel practice, including Denver and Los Angeles. A number of other states are also considering bans on cat declawing, including California, New Jersey and Massachusetts.
The bill was passed on Animal Advocacy Day, a rare occasion when New York politicians from “both sides of the aisle” gather in Albany to support one another’s legislation, with some even taking their animals along. Devoted pet parents also flood to the Capitol with their furry companions on this day.
Veterinarians who violate the new law could face a fine of up to $1,000.
i am not sure i agree with declawing of cats. i feel as if owners will just get mad at there cats then for ruining items in there house and just abandon them or hurt them from being mad they came home to scratched furniture.also, what about small children and babies with cats. declawing cats nails will also avoid cats scratching people and “husbands” becoming violent like the one case from 16 and pregant relaity stars husband , because his dog snapped at his child
It’s about time they finally are doing something about the declawing cats! It’s cruel, painful and most have trouble with their feet the rest of their lives! Just to save their couch or whatever!i sure hope our governor does the right thing and signs it! No cat should have to go through this! Don’t have a cat if you can’t put up with the good and bad! How would you like your toe nails ripped out!!!
It’s about time they finally are doing something about the declawing cats! It’s cruel, painful and most have trouble with their feet the rest of their lives! Just to save their couch or whatever!i sure hope our governor does the right thing and signs it! No cat should have to go through this! Don’t have a cat if you can’t put up with the good and bad! How would you like your toe nails ripped out!!!
Great banning cat declawing. Thank you !
Declawing of any animal must never happen again. Declawing must be made illegal world wide!!!!
I have had cats my entire life. I keep them inside as I have had bad experiences with letting my cats outside.
I spoke with my vet about declawing. He told me that some vets are not being taught the correct way to do the surgery in vet school. IF it is done properly, it goes very well. I had my 2 kittens declawed by this caring vet and they
were playing and chasing each other right after I brought them home! Here is my concern……If cats are damaging furniture and woodwork…I fear that they will be mistreated by angry owners. They also may be forced to live outside or perhaps sent to the shelter which is already full of homeless kitties. Many cats will not get homes as they can be so destructive and people will not want them. Of course it bothers me to hear that cats might be in pain BUT…I am trying to also think of the the other situations which may well arise if owners can not have their cats declawed. This entire topic needs more thought.
They should never be declawed , that Vet that told you that is wrong, it’s cruel and leaves problems with their feet forever! Don’t have a cat if you don’t want any problems with scratching! I have 8 and they have plenty of things to scratch on, not that they haven’t scratched things I don’t want them to but I love them so I wouldn’t get angry at them to the degree of not wanting them!
Yes, good news!
This is great!! Now if they would only DO SOMETHING ABOUT ALL OF THE KILL SHELTERS that would really be amazing!!!!!
Good for New York! Declawing a cat is horrific…imagine having your finger nails yanked out!!!
I would love to see this law enacted in all the states.
I applaud it but think it’s reprehensible they can’t care just as much for the helpless unborn humans being senselessly killed.
Why don’t we have a petition to tell Gov Cuomo to sign the bill?
About time. Same should be stopped for all animals.
STOP DECLAWING INNOCENT CATS,,, ASAP!!! EXTREMELY PAINFUL……. “DO NOT” LISTEN TO ANY VETERINARIAN WHO CONDONES THIS HORRIBLE HORRIBLE ACT…… THEY ARE IN IT FOR THE “DAM MONEY” HEARTLESS BEING’S ……..
Agreed!
Yep vet shouldn’t do that take claw off not right sad that wrong hurt pets claws pray need stop that never never take claw paw pets
Anyone who would put their cat through this is no pet lover and neither are the vets who perform this procedure – only interested in money. Appalling that this is allowed in America.
Cat declawing is an inhuman procedure and is in my opinion abuse. Any vet who does this, should be struck off. It is ethically and morally wrong. People ought to be ashamed of inflicting such an act of cruelty on any animal.
cat declawing MUST BE MADE A FELONY & NEVER BE DONE AGAIN. PLEASE, PEOPLE, DEMAND AN END TO CAT DECLAWING.
Either don’t get a cat or buy a scratching post. A little cat nip rubbed on the post should work.
Signed and Shared — the less cruelty to cats, the better — they are better off with ALL claws intact — LET’S DO THE RIGHT THING!
Declawing is a cruel procedure involving amputation of the first digit of each paw. Imagine having the first digit of your fingers (and in some cases, toes) amputated? Some cats experience lingering pain and because they can no longer defend themselves with their claws resort to biting. It’s about time this procedure is outlawed.
Please progress this bill Govenor Cuomo.
Good for New York state!
New York I’m so proud of you great job. Now let’s hope other States follow suite.
Take care
It’s about time!!! Woo hoo for the kitty cats!!! 😸😺
Good idea to ban this procedure. I was horrified when I found out that declawing = amputation of the first knuckle. I hope the fine includes amateurs, not just veterinarians.
Gov Cuomo I know Hunan babies mean zero to you. You celebrated infanticide and nine mos ABORTION by lighting up NY buildings and bridges, yes the bill you signed with a huge smile on your ugly satanic face. But perhaps cats will mean more to you and you’ll sign the ban on cat declawing.showing there’s actually a heart somewhere hidden in your evil body