The list of places to outlaw cat declawing is growing

By on March 11, 2021

Austin, TX is the latest place to join a growing list of governments that have outlawed the declawing of cats.

New York state, ten other major U.S. cities, seven Canadian provinces and at least 42 countries have already acted to ban the procedure, according to Alley Cat Allies.

Also from Alley Cat Allies: “Currently, legislation to ban declawing is also pending in five states. Many leaders in veterinary medicine, including veterinary associations and hospitals, have also taken action to end elective declawing procedures.”

“Declawing is an excruciatingly painful procedure that causes lasting psychological and physical harm to cats. It would be like cutting a person’s finger off at the last knuckle,” said Becky Robinson, president and founder of Alley Cat Allies. “We thank Austin for leading the way in Texas by outlawing this cruel elective procedure. It is a commendable step that will prevent tremendous suffering for cats in the city.”

Declawing, also known as onychectomy, involves the surgical amputation of the last joints of an animal’s toes. It is a predominantly nontherapeutic surgery, meaning it provides no health benefit to the cat. Cats rely on their claws for behavioral and grooming needs, as well as self-defense, and their removal through declaw surgery can cause permanent physical and mental harm.  

For more on issues like this, check out Alley Cat Allies here.

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