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Boston b (b ( Today, Gov. Maura Haley signed an act banning the declaration of inhumane destruction (S.2552) in law. Massachusetts prohibits the law, except in rare cases of medical necessity, such as cancer of the nail bed or other conditions that endanger the cat’s health. Declawing a cat is an invasive surgical operation akin to amputating the last knuckle of a human finger. Deworming can cause lifelong medical problems for cats, including permanent disability, nerve damage, back pain and lameness.
“This law will save countless cats in the Commonwealth from painful and unnecessary surgical procedures that are usually performed for human convenience rather than the well-being of the cat.,” said Stephanie Harris, senior legislative affairs manager for the Animal Legal Defense Fund. “Massachusetts joins other states that have passed many local laws as well as cities of all sizes. We hope to continue this momentum in 2025 as we move across the country, including neighboring Rhode Island. I continue to advocate for Billy Dickau bills.
As a leader in animal protection, Rhode Island should follow suit Example Already established in our state and banned from declaring a cruel and unnecessary cat. Our Humane State already prohibits landlords from requiring tenants to declare their cats, and passing this bill is the next logical step. “Now is the time for Rhode Island to join Massachusetts, New York and Maryland in saving cats from this unnecessary cruelty.”
“Declawing is a disgusting practice that most veterinarians view as inhumane, but it is also a procedure that is widely misunderstood and requested by owners.” Sen. Mark Montagini (D sec Bristol and Plymouth). By passing this law, veterinarians will no longer have the weight of choice knowing that if they don’t provide the procedure, the owner will simply have to find someone who does, he said. This is another step in the Commonwealth’s commitment to animal protection.
“Cats’ claws are integral to their natural behaviors, including scratching and playing,” said Senate bill sponsor Sen. Melissa Murray (D-Dist. 24). “Declawing is an amputation surgery with serious and often life-long consequences. Declawed cats often become fear-biters and carpet waiters, and are more prone to surrender or abandonment. Many people Arthritis has no place in our society in 2025.
Declaw’s bill passed on the final day of the two-year legislative session, kicking off a successful session for animals in Massachusetts that included passage of laws to protect wild animals used in circuses, dogs. Submitted to DIn daycare or boarding facilities, puppies and kittens may not be separated from their mothers too young, as are human and animal victims trapped in violent situations using coercive control.
Decluttering can have many negative behavioral effects in cats because it takes away their ability to use their claws to scratch, pull, and mark. Issues with litter box use and inappropriate marking are common among declawed cats, and some declawed cats resort to biting — which can lead to infection in humans — to defend themselves because they no longer have claws. can do All of these behavioral issues can make cats more likely to be surrendered to shelters. There are many humane alternatives to controlling scratching behavior, including regular nail trims, scratching posts, and behavioral training.
In June 2024, the Animal Legal Defense Legislative Fund released Poll results 70 percent of veterinary professionals oppose cat declawing. The survey also found that half of the veterinarians interviewed said their practice does not perform a declarative procedure or is unwilling to perform a veterinary procedure due to policy.
In addition to Massachusetts, New York and Maryland currently ban the practice, as do Los Angeles, San Francisco, Pittsburgh, Madison, West Hollywood, Austin, Denver, Beverly Hills, Berkeley, and Washington, D.C. Jurisdictions, including Virginia, have banned the practice. With limited discounts.
