Rhode Island Seeks to Ban Cat Declawing Amid Strong Veterinary Opposition
Rhode Island Seeks to Ban Cat Declawing Amid Strong Veterinary Opposition
A controversial surgical procedure that was once considered a quick fix for preventing cats from scratching furniture is now a hot topic in legislatures across the United States. Declawing, an invasive procedure involving the amputation of the last bones of a cat’s toes, is facing increasing scrutiny and opposition, particularly from the veterinary community. Rhode Island is the latest state to consider banning this practice, following the footsteps of New York, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C.
New Poll Shows Strong Opposition
A new poll by the Animal Legal Defense Legislative Fund highlights the growing opposition to cat declawing among veterinary professionals. The results reveal that 73% of veterinary professionals in the northeast, and 70% nationally, oppose the practice. The opposition is even stronger among younger professionals, with 85% of those under age 50 and 90% of those with less than 10 years of experience supporting a statewide ban.
Legislative Efforts in Rhode Island
The Rhode Island bill (SB 2007/HB 7052), which passed the state Senate in April, seeks to ban unnecessary declawing procedures, allowing exceptions only for medical necessity. However, the bill has not yet been taken up by the House of Representatives, and the legislative session ends this week.
The Procedure and Its Impacts
Declawing, or onychectomy, involves the removal of a cat’s third phalanges (toe bones) and claws. The American Veterinary Medical Association regards it as major surgery. The procedure can lead to numerous complications, including chronic pain, infection, tissue death, nerve damage, arthritis, loss of balance, and even lameness. The pain and discomfort can also cause behavioral issues, such as increased biting and litter box avoidance.
Shift in Veterinary Sentiment
Veterinary professionals increasingly view declawing as unacceptable, recognizing the importance of cats' health and well-being over the convenience of preventing furniture damage. Dr. Kim Kelly, Executive Director of the Animal Legal Defense Legislative Fund, stated, "If the severity and impact of declawing procedures were better understood by the public, this practice would have been banned long ago."
Broader Legislative Efforts
In addition to Rhode Island, states like Arizona, California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania have introduced similar legislation in 2024. Several major cities, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Pittsburgh, Madison, West Hollywood, Austin, Denver, Beverly Hills, and Berkeley, already have jurisdictional bans on declawing.
The push to ban declawing reflects a significant shift in veterinary priorities, with a growing emphasis on the health and well-being of cats. As more states consider legislation to prohibit this practice, the support from veterinary professionals highlights a move towards more humane and ethical treatment of animals. For more information on the latest legislative efforts and the impact on veterinary practices, stay tuned for updates.
