https://www.abc6.com/rhode-island-becomes-fifth-state-to-outlaw-cat-declawing/
Governor McKee of Rhode Island has signed the Cat Declaw Bill (S.B. 180AA/ H.B. 5668A) into law, banning the painful and invasive procedure of declawing cats, except in rare medical cases. Supported by the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF), Humane World for Animals, and the Paw Project, this legislation aims to protect cats from unnecessary harm.
Declawing is often compared to amputating a human finger at the last knuckle, can lead to lifelong issues such as nerve damage, chronic pain, and behavioral changes like aggression and litter box avoidance.
With Rhode Island joining Massachusetts and other regions, the law reflects growing momentum against the practice.
The law also highlights that humane alternatives, like regular nail trimming and scratching posts, are effective in managing unwanted scratching without harming cats.
Recent polling by ALDF found that 70% of veterinary professionals oppose declawing, with many clinics no longer offering the procedure.
Rhode Island’s ban follows similar measures in New York, Maryland, and several major cities, signaling a broader shift toward protecting cats from this cruel practice.
Whiskers, Paws and Love® wholeheartedly supports this compassionate step forward, standing in solidarity with all efforts to protect and improve the lives of animals.
*Every paw deserves to walk without pain, and every cat deserves to be treated with kindness and respect.
