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Here at home, the Quebec Veterinary Code of Ethics requires veterinarians to abstain from causing needless harm and practice evidence-based medicine. In theory, a ban on this procedure should be as simple as the OMVQ’s 2017 prohibition on ear cropping and tail docking in dogs, practices that raise welfare concerns similar to declawing.

The OMVQ does have a point when it stresses the importance of client education. However, while education is undoubtedly useful for understanding the consequences of declawing and providing alternatives, it is not enough. Without laws, there will always be pet owners who wish to declaw and veterinarians who continue to offer this procedure.

The science of animal welfare is progressing, and declawing goes against some of its most basic premises. The veterinary profession must act accordingly, take responsibility for its mistakes, move in the direction of science, and stop defending social customs that have no medical merit.

We recognize the importance of upholding evidence-based standards of care, avoiding harm to our patients, and above all else, embracing our role as animal welfare advocates. Quebecers not only expect this from us, but they have demanded change. They are speaking up for cats. When will the OMVQ start listening?

Jordyn Hewer is a small-animal veterinarian on the South Shore. Enid Stiles is a veterinarian based in Beaconsfield.