New York has become the first state to ban declawing cats in almost all cases, a practice that Gov. Andrew Cuomo called “archaic … inhumane and unnecessary.”

Declawing, a procedure known as onychectomy, involves amputating the first segment of a cat’s toes. The procedure was widely popular in the United States for decades to prevent damage or injury from cat scratches, but in recent years animal rights activists and some — but by no means all — veterinary groups have called for its prohibition.

The New York legislation, which Cuomo signed on Monday, isn’t a total ban, as has been widely reported. The law carves out exceptions for veterinarians who perform the procedure “for a therapeutic purpose” — like treating a cat’s existing infection, disease or injury. Declawing a cat for any other reason — including the health or “convenience” of the owner — is subject to a $1,000 fine.

“Declawing is a cruel and painful procedure that can create physical and behavioral problems for helpless animals, and today it stops,” Cuomo said in a signing statement on Monday. “By banning this archaic practice, we will ensure that animals are no longer subjected to these inhumane and unnecessary procedures.” Read more

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New York has become the first state to ban declawing cats in almost all cases, a practice that Gov. Andrew Cuomo called “archaic … inhumane and unnecessary.”

Declawing, a procedure known as onychectomy, involves amputating the first segment of a cat’s toes. The procedure was widely popular in the United States for decades to prevent damage or injury from cat scratches, but in recent years animal rights activists and some — but by no means all — veterinary groups have called for its prohibition.

New York has become the first state to ban declawing cats in almost all cases, a practice that Gov. Andrew Cuomo called “archaic … inhumane and unnecessary.”