New York Could Ban Practice of Declawing Cats The state's legislature is expected to vote on the bill this week. Should it pass, New York would be the first in the U.S. to have a statewide ban. Democratic governor Andrew Cuomo has not yet revealed whether he intends to sign it. The practice is already banned in a few major American cities: San Francisco, Los Angeles and Denver. It is also prohibited throughout many European areas. Those in favor of the bill, such as animal welfare advocates, say declawing is a cruel practice. Democrat Linda Rosenthal, the bill's sponsor, says more states will follow in New York's wake. Linda Rosenthal, via Associated Press It adds that veterinarians could still perform if the situation revolves around medical issues.
