Massachusetts has a new legislation banning the “inhumane” and “barbaric” declawing of cats, a transfer that the invoice’s sponsor says will cease feline affected by ensuing ache, blood loss, and an impaired immune system.
“Declawing is an abhorrent observe that almost all veterinarians view as inhumane,” invoice sponsor Sen. Mark Montigny mentioned in a press release after Gov. Maura Healey signed the invoice.
The process, which the New Bedford Democrat mentioned is “broadly misunderstood” by pet homeowners, is an amputation of the final bone of every toe on a cat’s paw.
On an individual, Montigny’s workplace mentioned, that “can be equal to chopping off every finger on the final knuckle.”
Allison Blanck, the advocacy director on the Animal Rescue League of Boston, praised the brand new legislation: “Declawing of cats doesn’t enhance the human-animal bond and infrequently leads to critical medical and behavioral issues. Banning this merciless observe, which is in essence amputation, will forestall animals in Massachusetts from unnecessary ache and struggling.”
The legislation makes offenders topic to a advantageous of no more than $1,000 for a primary offense, $1,500 for a second offense, and $2,500 for a 3rd or subsequent offense.
MSPCA-Angell’s animal hospitals have refused to supply declawing surgical procedures for years “as a result of it’s not within the curiosity of the animal,” advocacy director Kara Holmquist mentioned.
