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Animal ATTRACTION |
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October 2009
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Santa Monica City Council voted 5-1 Sept. 22 in favor of drafting a new law that would restrict animal declawing.
It is the latest attempt in California to pass a law banning the practice before a new state rule becomes effective that would prevent local governments from limiting the practice of a licensed profession. A similar ban is being sought in San Francisco. The Santa Monica measure calls for the drafting of a new ordinance "restricting the practice of amputating the toes of animals, euphemistically called declawing." The proposal directs that the ordinance be drafted and returned to Council in time to take effect before Dec. 31. Once legislation is drafted, public hearings would be required, followed by affirmative votes by Council on its first and second readings. The law would have to be favorably voted upon by Council 30 days before it would take effect. Santa Monica City Council member Kevin McKeown, who proposed the new legislation, says Santa Monica first pitched the idea of limiting declawing back in 2003 At the time, West Hollywood's ban was being challenged in court and he says Council wanted to see how that battle would play out. Now, it seems time is running out to make a move, he says. "We're not talking about pampering your pet with a manicurist," McKeown says. "So-called declawing is 10 separate, painful amputations of the first joint of each toe on both front paws, 20 amputations is the front and hind paws are done." The law in Santa Monica would not totally ban declawing, he adds, saying veterinarians would still be able to perform the procedure when there is a medical reason to do so. At least five local veterinarians plus a number of residents showed up at the Sept. 22 Council meeting in favor of drafting legislation, McKeown says, adding there was also a representative present from the California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) voicing opposition. The Dec. 31 deadline is critical to Santa Monica, given that a new state law will go into effect Jan. 1, prohibiting local governments from passing laws that would keep veterinarians from performing duties allowed under the state's practice law and licensing standards. The new state law doesn't affect local laws that go into effect before the new year. Source and photo: www.dvm360.com 4 CommentsLeave a comment |
I don't understand why declawing a cat is so terrible. I have had cats in my younger days that have ruined my furniture despite all the toys and scratching posts that were given to them. I finally came to the point where it was either having no cats or they were going to be declawed. My last two cats were declawed before I got them (strays). I keep them inside my house and they have good homes. The two cats I had before that, I had them declawed when they were neutered. They never seemed to be in any extreme pain when it was done. The surgery is done with anesthesia. I'm sure they were uncomfortable for a while. I'm sure they were uncomfortable from the neutering too! Should we outlaw that too? With all the cats that are euthanized because no one wants them, shouldn't we allow a procedure that allows them to be better pets without ruining your house? I'm sorry but I won't own a cat that is not declawed.
I do agree that tail docking and ear cropping are cruel. There is no useful purpose for that action except for vanity. I have three schnauzer mixes that have natural ears and tails and would never consider having them cropped/docked because it serves no useful purpose.
Barbara - it's part of having pets. I'll bet you're glad that your parents didn't amputate any of your parts when you ruined their furniture/house. It's horrible painful, even after their pain meds wear off. And if you know anything about cats, you'd know that they are masters at hiding pain. Imagine how you'd feel if your first joints on your fingers and toes were cut off.
Only down side to this whole thing is that now, there will be people that will get rid of their cats because they can't keep their oh-so-precious furniture in perfect conditon.
The horrible part of amputation, aside from the tremendous pain, is the quality of life after the cat undergoes such a procedure. Have you ever had an itchy spot on your skin? Can you imagine life without your fingernails, how difficult that would be, especially if you used to have them, and all of a sudden you don't? You use them for grip and for scratching and opening things, just the way a cat does! And god-forbid your declawed cat slips out the door one day when you are bringing in groceries and has to fend for itself for even 20 min. in the neighborhood...what if it comes into contact with a dog or even another aggrevated cat? It will have no means of protecting itself. Declawing is WRONG and if you don't like the way cats treat your furniture, why don't you just get a hamster or some fish you can keep in a nice aquarium? PLEASE DON'T HURT YOUR PETS!!!!!
I'm glad they are considering this ban. I hope it passes. It's painful and dangerous for cats. I've had cats who scratched my furniture, no matter what I've tried and how many posts I have for them. I know this will happen, so I don't spend a ton of money on furniture. I was looking for a new couch several years ago and the salesman was trying to sell me leather. I told him no, I have cats. He said to me, "Well just have them declawed and problem solved." I couldn't believe what I'd just heard and I told him so, complained to the management and told everyone I knew not to shop at that store! I'm not going to have my cats declawed just so my furniture won't get ruined. I discovered that a toy water gun helps to deter the scratching most! Best of all, it's cheap and it's not painful!