https://aldf.org/project/cat-declawing-ban-maryland/
https://www.idausa.org/campaign/community-cats/latest-news/maryland-poised-to-ban-cat-declawing/
https://siouxempiretnr.org/declawing-cats/
https://www.peta.org/living/animal-companions/8-reasons-never-declaw-cats/
https://catsinternational.org/the-truth-about-declawing/
https://lbpost.com/hi-lo/pets/cat-or-couch-reaching-a-compromise-with-claws/
*Declawing is NOT a Harmless Grooming Procedure – it is Permanent and it involves Inhumane and Extremely Painful Amputation of the last bone of a cat’s toe, similar to severing a human finger at the final joint. This Invasive Surgery often causes Lasting Pain, Arthritis, Infections and Inflammations, plus Behavioral Problems, frequently leading to Abandonment and Euthanasia.
**Declawing by ANY Method leaves the cat Walking on Unprotected, Uncushioned Bone On Each Toe! The Bone into which each Claw is Embedded contains Claw Cells and Has to be Amputated or the Claws will Regrow Painfully Crooked. Each Toe Ends in a Stump of Bone which the cat has to Walk On Until They Die.
“Maryland has become the 2nd U.S. state to ban declawing, a surgical procedure in which all or part of the last bone in a cat’s toes is amputated. Declawing can have lifelong medical implications and adversely affect behavior.”
Maryland has officially become the 2nd state in the U.S. to ban the controversial and harmful practice of declawing, a surgical procedure that involves amputating part or all of the last bone in a cat's toes.
This procedure has been widely recognized for its long term medical and behavioral consequences, including chronic pain, arthritis, and aggression.
Governor Larry Hogan signed SB 67/HB 22 into law on April 21, 2022, marking a significant victory for animal welfare advocates.
The law prohibits veterinary practitioners from performing declawing unless it is deemed medically necessary, and it imposes penalties, including fines of up to $1,000, for violations.
This ban is part of a broader trend, with over 10 major cities and the state of New York already taking action to protect cats from this painful and unnecessary procedure.
The law, which goes into effect on October 1, 2022, also grants the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners the authority to take disciplinary action against violators. With the support of many animal rights advocates, including the Animal Legal Defense Fund, this law reflects Maryland’s commitment to animal welfare and ensures that more cats will be spared from unnecessary suffering.
*At Whiskers, Paws and Love®, we are thrilled to see Maryland join the growing list of states taking action to protect cats from the harmful practice of declawing. This law marks an important step forward in ensuring that cats receive the care and respect they deserve, free from unnecessary pain and suffering. We remain committed to supporting further efforts to end declawing nationwide and are grateful for the advocates, lawmakers, and organizations who made this progress possible. Together, we’ll continue pushing for a future where every animal is treated with kindness, compassion, and the dignity they deserve.
*Every paw deserves to walk without pain, and every cat deserves to be treated with kindness and respect.
