https://www.dakinhumane.org/blog-full/ma-bans-cat-declawing-sales-of-young-puppies-and-kittens
"Abhorrent Practice"
Massachusetts Governor Healey is signing into law a series of groundbreaking animal welfare measures, including a Ban on Cat Declawing, the Prohibition of Selling Puppies and Kittens Under 8 Weeks of Age, and the Outlawing of Roadside Animal Sales.
Declawing, which involves amputating the tip of a cat’s toe along with its nail, has long been used as a convenience procedure to prevent scratching but Often Always results in chronic pain, litter box avoidance, biting, and other long term behavioral and health issues. This practice involves amputating part of a cat’s toes or severing tendons to prevent claw extension.
The new law limits declawing solely to therapeutic or medical cases where a cat’s claws, nail bed, or toe bone present abnormal conditions, ensuring the practice is reserved only for legitimate veterinary needs. With this new law, Massachusetts joins the growing movement to protect cats from unnecessary suffering and ensure they are treated with the compassion and dignity they deserve.
With this legislation, Massachusetts becomes the fourth state to ban declawing, joining New York, Maryland, and Virginia, as well as Washington, D.C.
The law also strengthens protections for young animals by prohibiting the sale of puppies and kittens under 8 weeks of age by anyone, extending existing restrictions beyond shelters and pet shops. Early separation from mothers and littermates has been linked to health issues and behavioral problems, including aggression, which can pose public safety concerns.
In addition, the new legislation bans the sale of cats and dogs in public spaces such as roadsides, flea markets, and parking lots, with penalties ranging from $50 for a first offense to $300 for repeat violations. Exceptions are made for transfers to licensed shelters, rescues, or municipal facilities, as well as the display of animals in fair exhibitions and 4-H programs. Together, these measures mark a significant step forward in ensuring the health, safety, and humane treatment of animals in Massachusetts.
*Whiskers, Paws and Love® wholeheartedly supports these historic advancements in animal welfare and applauds Massachusetts for taking bold action to protect vulnerable animals. We believe every step that prioritizes compassion, health, and responsible care brings us closer to a more humane society. These new laws reflect the values we stand for, and we are deeply grateful to see leaders and communities working together to ensure animals are treated with the dignity and kindness they deserve.
