New York May Be the First US State to Ban Declawing Cats

New York is looking forward to banning the process of declawing cats. This has long been debated for its unnatural nature, and it is thought whether declawing should be kept as the last option for kitties who trouble their owner a lot.

If this law passes, New York will become the first US state to forbid this practice which also includes amputating the cat's toe back to the first knuckle.

"None of us love the procedure," said Richard Goldstein, a veterinarian at New York City's Animal Medical Centre according to Telegraph "But when the alternative is condemning the cat to a shelter or to death? That's why we do it," added Goldstein.

The states and national veterinary organizations say that declawing comes from the troublesome nature of cats. This reduces the chance of them being put down or abandoned. They also say that this matter should be left to the owners and professionals, and not to the political parties.

The claws of a cat, unlike the nails of human, are attached to the last bone segment. Clawing, therefore, leads to the removal of the last segment of the bones.

Britain, Australia, and several other European countries have already banned the practice of declawing cats. California, Los Angeles, and some other cities have banned this process too. It is estimated that a quarter of all the cats are declawed in their lifetime.

The ban doesn't come as a surprise. It has also been up for other animals. A bill which is passed by the New York's legislature would remove sales taxes on pet food. Last year, the politicians voted to let the dogs accompany humans on restaurant patios.

Several states have banned the process of removing the vocal cords of dogs, and all other states regard the act of animal cruelty as a felony.

Thinking of declawed cats, with respect to their natural behaviour, is also strange.