URGENT UPDATE: California has officially banned the controversial practice of declawing cats after Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 867 into law on October 12, 2023. This landmark legislation marks a significant win for animal welfare advocates, making California the largest state to prohibit this painful procedure.
Declawing, which involves amputating the first bone in a cat’s toes or severing tendons, will now only be permitted when deemed medically necessary for health conditions. Advocates have long labeled the practice as inhumane, with studies linking it to chronic pain, infections, and behavioral issues in cats.
In a statement celebrating this historic decision, Dr. Marilyn Kroplick, president of In Defense of Animals, emphasized, “Declawing isn’t a nail trim, it’s a painful amputation that has no place in a compassionate society.” This victory illustrates California’s commitment to prioritizing animal welfare over human convenience.
Historically, declawing was a common practice to prevent cats from scratching. However, as awareness increased regarding its severe consequences, the procedure has come under intense scrutiny from veterinarians and pet owners alike. According to In Defense of Animals, many cats suffering complications from declawing end up in shelters, facing lifelong suffering.
This new law aligns California with other states like New York, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, which have also enacted statewide bans. Prior to this legislation, several California cities, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and West Hollywood, had already imposed local restrictions, with West Hollywood being the first in the nation to do so in 2003.
While animal rights organizations have hailed the bill as a long-overdue reform, it faced opposition from the California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA). CVMA’s director, Grant Miller, expressed concerns that the law could hinder veterinarians’ ability to make critical medical decisions, especially for elderly or immunocompromised patients. “When our veterinarians are telling us they’re performing the procedure, it’s usually because the elderly patient is on chemotherapy…,” Miller explained during a legislative hearing.
Despite these concerns, the law includes exemptions for medically necessary declawing, ensuring that cats can receive appropriate care without unnecessary suffering. Procedures performed solely for cosmetic reasons or to prevent scratching are now strictly forbidden.
The passing of AB 867 signals a cultural shift towards more humane treatment of companion animals in California. Advocates assert that this legislation is a clear message that the state does not endorse surgical mutilation for convenience. “California has long been a leader in animal protection,” In Defense of Animals stated, reiterating its commitment to ethical treatment of animals.
As this groundbreaking law takes effect, all eyes will be on California to see how it influences animal welfare policies nationwide. Animal advocates urge other states to follow suit, advocating for a future where the compassionate treatment of animals is the standard, not the exception.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
