A bill aiming to restrict cat declawing in California is now awaiting Governor Gavin Newsom’s approval. The proposed legislation, Assembly Bill 867, seeks to limit declawing procedures to veterinarians and only when medically necessary. The bill, authored by Assemblymember Alex Lee, emphasizes that declawing should only occur to address health issues like infections, diseases, or injuries that threaten a cat’s well-being. Procedures for cosmetic reasons or convenience would be prohibited.
Assemblymember Lee described declawing as equivalent to amputating a person’s fingers at the top knuckle, calling it “cruel and inhumane.” He stated, “Cat declawing is a permanent disfiguring surgery,” according to KTLA. The bill has garnered bipartisan support and backing from animal advocacy groups like the Humane Society, which supports exceptions for medical purposes, such as removing cancerous growths.
However, the bill faces opposition from the California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), which argues that most veterinarians have already stopped performing declawing surgeries. The CVMA also expressed concerns that the bill might expose veterinarians to harassment from activists. Despite these concerns, the bill passed the Assembly Business and Professions Committee unanimously, though five members abstained from voting, indicating potential challenges in the Assembly and Senate…