California lawmakers are once again trying to pass a bill to ban the declawing of cats, a practice many consider cruel and unnecessary. Assemblymember Alex Lee is leading the effort with Assembly Bill 867, which would prohibit veterinarians from performing the surgery unless it is medically necessary. The bill has already passed the Assembly Business and Professions Committee, marking a significant step forward in the legislative process.
Despite support from some lawmakers and animal rights groups, the bill faces opposition from the California Veterinary Medical Association. The association argues that the decision to declaw should be left to veterinarians and their clients, not dictated by legislation. However, many of their members have voluntarily stopped performing the procedure, citing the risks and ethical concerns associated with it.
Declawing involves the removal of a cat’s final toe joint, which can lead to chronic pain, balance issues, and behavioral problems. Advocates for the ban, such as Alley Cat Allies, argue that declawing is often performed for non-therapeutic reasons, like preventing furniture scratching, and that it causes more harm than good. They point to studies showing that declawed cats are more likely to exhibit aggression and other problematic behaviors, which can lead to abandonment.
The bill’s supporters hope that California will join other states and cities that have already banned declawing. New York, Maryland, and Virginia have enacted similar bans, and over 40 countries worldwide prohibit the practice. While the bill has gained early Democratic support, its future remains uncertain due to past failures and ongoing lobbying efforts by veterinary groups.
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