https://aldf.org/article/new-york-becomes-first-state-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.
“Governor Cuomo wrote, “Declawing is a cruel and painful procedure that can create physical and behavioral problems for helpless animals, and today it stops. By banning this archaic practice, we will ensure that animals are no longer subjected to these inhumane and unnecessary procedures.”
“Assembly woman Linda Rosenthal, co sponsor of New York’s declaw ban, told Politico: “New York State may be the first in the nation to ban cruel cat declawing, but we know it will not be the last. I am confident that this legislation will have a domino effect nationally.”
On July 22, 2019, New York became the 1st state in the U.S. to pass a statewide ban on cat declawing, with Gov. Andrew Cuomo signing Senate Bill S5532B/AB 1303 into law. Declawing, which involves the amputation of the last bone in a cat’s toes, is a painful procedure that can result in lifelong medical and behavioral consequences for cats.
While cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Denver had already implemented bans, New York's statewide law marks a significant milestone in protecting cats from this harmful practice. The law, effective immediately, imposes a civil penalty of up to $1,000 on those performing declawing procedures, with exceptions for medical necessity.
The passage of this law reflects a growing shift in attitudes toward the treatment of animals, supported by evidence of the long term negative effects of declawing. Studies have shown that declawed cats are more likely to develop behavioral issues such as aggression, biting, and litter box avoidance, in addition to chronic pain and arthritis.
This change in public perception is further supported by endorsements from the New York City Bar Association’s Animal Law Committee, which noted that similar bans in cities like Los Angeles did not lead to an increase in abandoned cats, as some had feared. The law's bipartisan support and the removal of criminal penalties in favor of civil fines make it a balanced and progressive step for animal welfare.
Despite opposition from some veterinary associations, such as the New York State Veterinary Medical Society, which still supports declawing as a viable practice for managing cat behavior, the law represents a growing recognition that declawing is neither a necessary nor humane solution.
While such procedures are still common in the U.S., they are increasingly restricted worldwide, with most developed countries, including those in Europe and Canada, outlawing the practice. As more U.S. states and cities follow New York’s example, the ban on cat declawing marks an important step toward greater animal welfare, reflecting a broader global movement to prioritize the well being of animals over convenience.
*At Whiskers, Paws and Love®, we are thrilled to see New York leading the way with a statewide ban on cat declawing. This progressive move marks a significant victory for animal welfare, and we are hopeful that other states will follow suit.
We firmly believe that all cats deserve to live without the pain and long term health issues that come with declawing. While there may still be challenges ahead, this is a crucial step in ensuring that all animals are treated with the respect and compassion they deserve.
*Every paw deserves to walk without pain, and every cat deserves to be treated with kindness and respect.
