UPDATE: California’s groundbreaking new law prohibiting cat declawing takes effect tomorrow, October 5, 2023. Assembly Bill 867, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in October, allows declawing only when deemed medically necessary, marking a significant shift in animal welfare legislation.
Animal advocates and veterinary professionals are celebrating this momentous change. Joseph Hayden, president of the Vallejo-based Humane Society of the North Bay, stated, “Abolishing declawing procedures is the only thing a responsible pet parent would want for our beloved felines.” He emphasized the importance of this law, calling declawing “amputation, which is Draconian and barbaric.”
The declawing procedure, often misunderstood, involves surgical amputation of the last bone of each toe—akin to removing fingers at the first knuckle. This invasive practice has been a point of contention, with the California Veterinary Medical Association historically opposing bans, arguing that such decisions should be made between clients and veterinarians.
Yet, significant public awareness has shifted opinions over the years. Previous bans in cities like Berkeley, San Francisco, and Los Angeles paved the way for this statewide legislation. New York became the first state to ban declawing in 2019, followed by Maryland in 2022 and several others in the coming years.
Tammy Farnsworth, practice manager at Redwood Veterinary Hospital, expressed support for the ban, stating that declawing compromises a cat’s natural abilities, including climbing and self-defense. “Cats wouldn’t be able to protect themselves if attacked by another cat,” she noted.
For cat owners concerned about furniture damage, Farnsworth shared practical alternatives. Products like Soft Claws can be applied to cat nails to prevent damage while allowing them to scratch instinctively. Regular nail trimming and behavioral modification can also help protect cherished furnishings.
Assemblyman Alex Lee, author of AB 867 and a cat owner himself, commented, “I’m proud to see California create a more compassionate society for our feline friends by moving away from this inhumane practice.”
This new law represents not just a legal change but a profound shift towards recognizing the rights of animals and the responsibilities of their owners. As California takes this bold step, the eyes of animal welfare advocates across the nation are watching closely to see how this legislation impacts the treatment of cats and similar efforts in other states.
With the law’s implementation just hours away, cat owners and animal advocates are encouraged to educate themselves about its implications and the importance of treating their pets with compassion and care. Stay tuned for further developments in animal welfare legislation as California leads by example.
