Representative Amish Shah, MD, is sponsoring a bill which would ban declawing of cats in Arizona. Your voice is needed to get this important legislation passed and signed into law!
Declawing is one of the most painful, routinely performed procedures in veterinary medicine, where each toe of the cat is amputated at the first joint. Declawing a cat is equivalent in humans to
amputating the entire first knuckle of every finger. Published veterinary research indicates that declawing cats increases the risk of unwanted behaviors and may increase risk for developing back pain. As a result of declawing, many cats suffer permanent or intermittent lameness and other surgical complications.
There is no scientific evidence that shows declawing cats protects them from relinquishment, abandonment, or euthanasia. Declawed cats are often found in shelters and rescues, or even outdoor colonies. Also, declawing cats does not protect human health. Scientific studies have found declawed cats bite more often and harder than their intact counterparts. Major health authorities including the CDC, NIH, US Public Health Services, and Infectious Diseases Society of America all agree that declawing cats to protect humans is “not advised.”
Watch Jackson Galaxy’s video about declawing and get more information at the Paw Project.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
ADLA will provide updates as the bill progresses and information on how advocates can help. Please sign and share this petition.
Have questions? Please email [email protected].