PETITION TARGET: Michigan House Agriculture Committee
Declawing is not a simple grooming procedure. Rather, it’s the painful severing of a cat’s toe bones or tendons, much like cutting off a person’s fingers at the knuckles closest to the hand.
Following the surgery, these mutilated felines may suffer from chronic pain, stress, nerve damage, and impaired mobility — and can even find using a litter box unpleasant.
A growing number of cities, states, and countries have already outlawed this cruel and unnecessary practice, and major veterinary groups have publicly condemned it. Now, Michigan lawmakers are moving to ban it, too.
If passed, HB 5208 would make it illegal to declaw cats except when deemed necessary for therapeutic reasons — such as to treat abnormal conditions, diseases, or infections. This would prevent declawing surgeries for cosmetic purposes or to make cats easier to handle.
Declawing strips cats of their natural abilities, leaving many to suffer lifelong pain and develop “adverse behaviors” born from stress and discomfort. No one should be forcibly disfigured and disabled to suit someone else’s preferences for convenience or appearance.
Please sign our petition urging lawmakers in Michigan to back this legislation and protect cats from inhumane declawing procedures.
