New York could become first state to ban declawing of cats
- 8 years ago
New York may become the first state to ban the declawing of cats under a legislative proposal that has divided veterinarians.
Several vets were at the state Capitol Tuesday to lobby for the ban.
They say the declawing procedure is unnecessary and cruel.
Australia, Britain and several European countries already ban the practice.
The state’s Veterinary Medical Society opposes the legislation, saying the procedure can often save cats with destructive scratching behavior from being euthanized.
Supporters say destructive clawing can typically be dealt with through nail clipping, nail caps or scratching posts.
The bill is before both the Senate and Assembly, but no vote has been scheduled.
Several vets were at the state Capitol Tuesday to lobby for the ban.
They say the declawing procedure is unnecessary and cruel.
Australia, Britain and several European countries already ban the practice.
The state’s Veterinary Medical Society opposes the legislation, saying the procedure can often save cats with destructive scratching behavior from being euthanized.
Supporters say destructive clawing can typically be dealt with through nail clipping, nail caps or scratching posts.
The bill is before both the Senate and Assembly, but no vote has been scheduled.