PETITION TARGETS: Pennsylvania Lawmakers
Declawing is a surgical procedure that removes part of a cat’s toes or cuts the tendons that control their claws — forcing them to walk unnaturally on the backs of their feet and putting them at greater risk of developing back pain, chronic discomfort, mobility issues, anxiety, and even increased aggression.
In light of these concerns, Pennsylvania lawmakers have introduced a bill that would ban cat declawing and spare countless felines from this needless and inhumane practice.
“Declawing is illegal or considered unethical by the veterinary profession in much of the world,” stated Pennsylvania Senators Carolyn Comitta and Tracy Pennycuick, sponsors of the legislation, in a joint memo.
If enacted, SB 846/HB 1716 would prohibit declawing surgeries on cats unless a licensed veterinarian determines they’re medically necessary — protecting the animals from being mutilated for cosmetic reasons or convenience.
Pennsylvania would become the seventh state to outlaw this cruel procedure if the bill passes, joining California, New York, Maryland, Virginia, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.
Without their claws, cats struggle to balance, climb, jump, and stretch — and even using the litter box can become agonizing. These extraordinary animals deserve to be valued for who they are, not surgically changed to satisfy human preferences.
Sign our petition urging Pennsylvania lawmakers to back this critical measure and finally end the unnecessary suffering caused by cat declawing.
