New York takes up bill to scratch the practice of having cats declawed
SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) — For years, animal activists have called for Veterinarians to bring an end to cat owners having their pets claws surgically removed.
They feel it’s a barbaric procedure because it involves amputating the cats toes back to the first knuckle.
The state of New York is on the verge of becoming the first state to ban the surgery.
If the bill passes the New York State Assembly and Senate, Doctors who violate the ban could be fined up to $1,000.
However, the New York State Veterinary Medical Society opposes banning the procedure. They want it to be used as a last resort for cat owners with a low immune system or if the cat just won’t stop tearing up furniture or people with their claws.
Should a cat need to have claws removed for medical reasons, Vets would be able to perform the surgery.
Passage of the bill makes New York the first state to outlaw the procedure. It’s already banned in several U.S cities including Denver, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
