Maryland bans declawing cats, applauded by advocacy group
by Katie Pfaff
Alley Cat Allies, a cat and kitten advocacy organization, has lauded Maryland lawmakers for passing a bill that outlaws declawing procedures for cats. The legislation received bipartisan support and will take effect on October 1, 2022.
Declawing is thought to cause pain and potentially led to behavioral problems, according to Alley Cat Allies and their partner in this legislative effort, The Paw Project. "This invasive and painful surgery rarely has any benefit for cats, and in fact sets them up for a lifetime of suffering and discomfort," said Jennifer Conrad, DVM, founder and director of The Paw Project. "It is widely recognized that declawing cats does not reduce health risks for humans with health issues. Recently published studies have even shown that declawed cats are more likely to bite."
After the loss of claws, cats are potentially more likely to defend themselves by biting pr other actions, according to the groups. Declawing can also lead to health issues for cats such as arthritis, said the organizations. The groups also highlighted that scratching by cats is normal behavior.
"Delegates and senators heard from the people of Maryland and made a powerful decision that we will no longer allow cats in our state to endure this cruel, crippling procedure," said Becky Robinson, founder and president of Alley Cat Allies. "Amputating the last joints from cats' toes is excruciating, causing a lifetime of pain and unintended consequences that often lead to cats being relinquished to shelters."
Select US cities already ban declawing, including Austin, Denver, Los Angeles, and Pittsburgh.
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