SB 846: Prohibition of Declawing Cats
Overview Resources
- We’re Not Kitten: States Moving to Ban Declawing of Cats
- Declawing Cats: Examining the Pros, Cons, and Alternatives
- American Veterinary Medical Association Recommendations
- Current PA Law: Declawing may only be done by a veterinarian
- Pennsylvania Bill Page: SB 846 Bill Information
- LegiScan Tracking: SB 846 LegiScan Tracking
Pros
- Strong opposition from animal professionals
- Negative Side Effects
- Popularity of alternatives
- Animal Legal Defense Fund
- Prevents a procedure critics consider an unnecessary amputation when performed for convenience.
- Aligns Pennsylvania with jurisdictions that restrict elective declawing for animal welfare reasons.
- Encourages the use of behavioral training, scratching posts, and other alternatives.
- https://humanepro.org/blog/blog-banner-year-fight-against-declawing
Cons
- Allow veterinarians to make the decision as to what’s best for a family, rather than blanket laws.
- List of pros
- California Veterinary Medical Association Delegate’s Views About Declawing
- AVMA opposes blanket bans
- May limit treatment options for pet owners struggling with destructive scratching behavior.
- Some veterinarians argue declawing can be appropriate in limited non-medical circumstances to keep cats in homes.
- Could increase pet relinquishment if owners feel unable to manage scratching-related issues.
