HPP: In Massachusetts, the practice of declawing cats, which is considered barbaric by many animal rights activists, has been made illegal as a result of a measure that was signed into law by Governor Maura Healey on Thursday.
The process of declaring a cat requires removing the first bone from each of its toes. A description of it by the MSPCA describes it as “an amputation comparable to the removal of all ten human fingertips at the first knuckle.”
Declawing cats can also make them more inclined to bite, and it can also cause them to avoid using a litter box, according to supporters of the practice.
“Declawing is an abhorrent practice that most veterinarians view as inhumane, but it is also a procedure that is widely misunderstood and requested by owners,” bill sponsor and State Sen. Mark Montigny of New Bedford stated. “By passing this law, veterinarians will no longer have to weigh the choice knowing that if they don’t provide the procedure an owner is likely to just look for someone who will.”
Those who violate the law may be subject to fines of up to $2,500 for each subsequent infraction, and licensed veterinarians who transgress the law may be subject to disciplinary action.
After New York and Maryland, Massachusetts is the third state to pass a law prohibiting the practice of declawing. There have been similar actions taken by cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Pittsburgh, and Denver.
The Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association did not take a stance on the law or express any opinion regarding it.
The Veterinary Medical Association of Rhode Island “strongly opposed” a bill that would have prohibited declawing, stating that “claims that declawing causes permanent intractable pain in cats are untrue.”
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Sales of young puppies and kittens are prohibited.
Not only did the declawing ban become a law in Massachusetts this week, but there were also other animal-related measures put into effect.
It was also reported by the State House News Service that Healey signed a bill that would prohibit the selling of puppies and kittens that were younger than eight weeks old.
According to the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA), separating animals from their moms and siblings might result in behavioral issues. Infractions of the law could result in a fine of up to one hundred dollars.
In addition, the legislation prohibits the purchasing and selling of cats and dogs in flea markets or on the side of the road.
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