ACTION ALERT: California Looks at Banning Declawing

[Maggie Funkhouser]

According to an article in the Los Angeles Times, several cities in
California are considering proposals that would ban declawing within
their city limits. The article continues to say that, “The issue has
gained urgency because of a pending California law that gives the
state authority over medical scope-of-practice issues and prevents
cities and counties from passing ordinances banning medical procedures
starting Jan. 1.”

Listed below are public meetings being held to discuss the topic. We
urge local individuals to attend one or more of the meetings to voice
your opposition to declawing. The surgery of declawing is extreme,
removing not just the claw but also the first joint of the toe. It is
painful and traumatic for the cat. While some cats do manage to adjust
after this surgery, others will experience pain for years. It may
cause the cat to have difficulty running fast, climbing, jumping, and
many experience litter box issues. Also, it just isn't necessary to
declaw your cat. There are plenty of other simpler, kinder ways to
stop her from destroying furniture and/or scratching you. Check out
our website for more information.

Meeting Locations:

The city of Los Angeles' public safety committee will look at the
issue Monday at its 9:30 a.m. meeting.
http://ens.lacity.org/clk/committeeagend/clkcommitteeagend2763316_11022009.pdf

On Tuesday afternoon, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors will
consider an ordinance that would prohibit onychectomy (declawing) and
flexor tendonectomy procedures on cats except when necessary for a
therapeutic purpose. http://www.sfbos.org/index.aspx?page=9827

The Beverly Hills City Council is slated to discuss a ban on
nontherapeutic animal declawing at its meeting Thursday night.
http://beverlyhills.granicus.com/AgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=67

The Malibu City Council will consider a resolution opposing cat
declawing in the city at its Nov. 9 meeting.
http://www.ci.malibu.ca.us/download/index.cfm/fuseaction/download/cid/14648/

On Nov. 10, the Santa Monica City Council is expected to have a second
reading of a measure that would ban onychectomy and tendonectomy
except for the medical necessity of the cat.
http://www.smgov.net/departments/council/

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