City Councilman moves to ban cat declawing

November 4, 1:28 AMLA Pet Rescue ExaminerKate Woodviolet

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Natural behaviors like jumping, walking and using a litterbox can be adversely affected by declawing
Photo:  Susan Beveridge

The League of Humane Voters is reporting that City Councilman Paul Koretz will ask the L.A. City Council Friday to enact a citywide ban on the practice of declawing cats, a controversial procedure that is banned in many countries as inhumane.

As the League's legislative alert points out, de-clawing a cat is a surgical procedure that, despite its name, removes not just a cat's claws but, according to Wikipedia, "is an operation to surgically remove the claws and part of the toes." Opponents contend the surgery can cause cats chronic pain and progressive orthopedic problems, including arthritis.

According to The Humane Society of the U.S. website, "[d]eclawing traditionally involves the amputation of the last bone of each toe and, if performed on a human being, it would be comparable to cutting off each finger at the last knuckle."

Declawing can leave cats with a painful healing process, long-term health issues, and numerous behavior problems."

 

As the anti-declawing site Declawing.com points out, "It is a painful surgery, with a painful recovery period. And remember that during the time of recuperation from the surgery your cat would still have to use its feet to walk, jump, and scratch in its litter box regardless of the pain it is experiencing. Wheelchairs and bedpans are not an option for a cat."

The Vancouver Orphan Kitten Rescue website concurs, adding "[s]ince cats walk on their toes, this procedure can hinder the sensations and enjoyment involved in walking, running, springing, climbing, and stretching..."

Many cat owners choose to have their cats declawed to protect their furniture, often without realizing the traumatic health consequences for their pets. But many alternatives exist to redirect undesirable clawing, including clipping the cat's nails, buying scratching posts, and even applying soft rubber claw tips.

Wikipedia notes that the City of West Hollywood banned the practice of declawing cats in 2003. It is banned in many countries worldwide, and was banned in Norfolk, Virginia in April 2007. California has banned the declawing of wild and exotic cats since 2004. In 2006 the U.S. Department of Agriculture banned declawing of all wild cats held by USDA-licensed owners.

The League of Humane Voters is asking L.A. residents to call their Councilmembers to voice your support for a citywide ban on declawing cats that would give pet cats the same protections that owned wild cats already enjoy.

Following is an LOHV list of contact numbers for the L.A. City Council:

Councilman Reyes (213) 473-7001

Councilman Zine (213) 473-7003

Councilman La Bonge (213) 473-7004

Councilman Cardenas (213) 473-7006

Councilman Alarcon (213) 473-7007

Councilman Parks (213) 473-7008

Councilwoman Perry (213) 473-7009

Councilman Wesson (213) 473-7010

Councilman Rosendahl (213) 473-7011

Councilman Smith (213) 473-7012

Councilman Garcetti (213) 473-7013

Councilman Huizar (213) 473-7014

Councilwoman Hahn (213) 473-7015