New York State Veterinarians Support Ban on Cat Declawing
News
Tuesday, March 01, 2016 04:23 PM

According to HSVMA and The Paw Project, these problems include litter box avoidance from pain or stress and increased biting in self-defense. These two problems, not furniture destruction, are the documented top behavioral reasons why cats are brought to U.S. shelters.

Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal, D-67, introduced the bill last year. It later gained bipartisan support from co-sponsor Sen. Joseph A. Griffo, R-47.

Assemblymember Rosenthal said: “Because of their behavioral issues, declawed cats are not as likely to be adopted as other cats. I introduced this bill to end the misery inflicted on cats when there are many safe and effective alternatives to declawing.” Sen. Griffo said: “This bill benefits not only cats, but veterinarians, cat owners, and shelters as well. I’m pleased to be working with experts on public health and animal health to get it passed."

Susan Whittred, DVM, New York co-director for The Paw Project, said: “A relatively high percentage of cats are still being declawed despite all the recommendations against it. Targeting this problem through legislation is necessary and overdue. This bill is not an infringement on the veterinarian’s role at all. In fact, veterinarians are helping lead the efforts to see it pass."

Declawing is currently illegal in more than two dozen countries and several California cities.

The American Animal Hospital Association and the American Association of Feline Practitioners have changed their statements in the last year to discourage declawing.

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Media Contacts

HSVMA: Cheylin Parker; [email protected], 240-599-6848

The Paw Project: Susan Whittred, DVM; [email protected], 917-974-3416