Bill Introduced To Ban Declawing Cats In Michigan
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich Michigan lawmakers have introduced a bill to ban declawing cats. If it passes, Michigan would become the second state to do so, after New York banned the procedure last year.
The bill would prohibit declawing a cat unless it is deemed necessary for a therapeutic purpose.
Unlike spay or neuter, said Namiko Ota-Noveskey, the program supervisor for Kent County Animal Shelter, there is no health benefit for the cats. Its more for convenience for the people.
Kent County Animal Shelter does not declaw their cats. They also do not encourage adoptive cat parents to do so after they leave the shelter.
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The surgery itself is almost like taking the first knuckle off, said Ota-Noveskey, its not like were just trimming nails. With declawing, theyre taking the first digit off. So, I think its really important we look at alternatives.
The bill was co-sponsored by state Rep. Tommy Brann .
Other states and countries do it, said Brann, New York banned them, New Zealand, Japan, Australia. Whole countries have banned this, so it seems a little traumatic and cruel.
Brann says he hopes the bill can get a committee hearing, so it can move forward. He has three cats himself, one named BK.
We love BK, and we protect BK, said Brann. “But we dont want him to get out there. If something happened, door open, I dont want him out there unprotected. Claws are part of their protection.
Do They Declaw Cats Anymore
Many countries ban declaw surgery in cats. Declawing is outlawed in the United Kingdom, much of the European Union, Australia, and at least ten other countries around the world. It is still legal to declaw a cat in most of the United States. The American Veterinary Medical Association does not oppose declawing in cats.
The Tide Is Turning Against Cat Declawing
Were in the middle of an about-face away from the decades-long acceptance of declawing in far too many communities. No longer can the amputation of a cats toes be portrayed as a mild, routine veterinary procedure. And its all because Alley Cat Allies, The Paw Project, likeminded advocates, and people like you are working to bring the truth to light.
Already, more than half of U.S. veterinary schools have cut onychectomy from their core curriculums. Thousands of veterinarians in the U.S. and Canada refuse to declaw. Banfield, VCA, and BluePearl Pet Hospitals, major veterinary chains with locations throughout the country, all recently outlawed cat declawing in their collective 2000+ hospitals.
Its high time we ended declawing everywhere, for good. In 2021, Alley Cat Allies continues to fight to protect cats by banning declaw surgeries wherever they remain legal and in practice. Please join us.
To learn the hard facts about cat declawing, visit our Keep Cats Claws On Their Paws campaign. Watch our Action Center for your opportunity to take a stand against declawing where you live.
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If The Bill Passes They Will Join New York State Who Made This Procedure Illegal Last Year
Jennifer larue started this petition to michigan state house and declawing cats: Nate shannon is the sponsor of h.b. This normal behavior serves to both remove loose claw material as well as to mark the territory of a given cat, both visually and by olfactory means . It also prevents any other surgical option that stops a cat’s claws from working, wxyz. However, they also want and need attention.
Michigan Bill Introduced To Ban Declawing Of Cats Would Be The Second In The Nation
MICHIGAN Michigan Lawmakers are looking to make it illegal to Declaw your cat in their state.
The bill follows New Yorks ban last year to only allow declawing for therapeutic purposes.
Declawed cats can suffer long-term physical complications as a result of declawing its not just a fancy manicure. Its painful, unnecessary, and needs to stop, said Assemblymember Quirk.
Common reasons expressed for performing declaw surgery are readily refuted by an increasing volume of evidence from scientific experts, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health. These health authorities have long held that declawing cats is not advised to protect people, even those with the most weakened immune systems. Recent studies have found that declawed cats are more likely to bite, with the unintended consequence that immuncompromised people are actually being put at greater risk.
How do you feel about it?
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Another Us State Aims To Ban Declawing Your Cat
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Many of us adopt our cats. And when we do, sadly, some of them come without their claws. Declawing your cat is something that some cat owners feel is necessary. Well, the truth is, its not. And thankfully, lawmakers in Michigan feel the same way.
So far, the bill already has 21 cosponsors. And Im personally thankful for each and every one of them who thinks declawing your cat is not okay.
Should the bill be made into law, violators will face a $1,000 civil fine.
Declawing your cat is illegal in the state of New York thanks to a bill which passed last July.
House Bill No. 5508 aims to prohibit certain medical procedures for declawing a cat, and to prescribe civil sanctions.
The bill states that: An individual shall not perform by any means an onychectomy, a partial or complete phalangectomy, or a tendonectomy procedure, or any other surgical procedure that prevents normal functioning of the claws, on a cat in this state, unless the procedure is necessary for a therapeutic purpose.
The bill is allowing for one exception to the rule, saying that the declawing of a cat is strictly allowed when considered for therapeutic purposes. It defines such purposes as:
The necessity to address a physical medical condition of a cat, including, but not limited to an existing or recurring illness, infection, disease, injury, or abnormal condition in the claw of a cat that compromises the cats health.
And For Those Living In The State Of Michigan Declawing Your Cat Might Soon Be Illegal
If the bill passes, they will join New York state who made this procedure illegal last year. Across Europe, there are numerous bans against declawing your cat already in place.
House Bill No. 5508 aims to prohibit certain medical procedures for declawing a cat, and to prescribe civil sanctions.
The bill states that: An individual shall not perform by any means an onychectomy, a partial or complete phalangectomy, or a tendonectomy procedure, or any other surgical procedure that prevents normal functioning of the claws, on a cat in this state, unless the procedure is necessary for a therapeutic purpose.
There is one exception to the bill, which describes that declawing is only permitted for therapeutic purposes. It describes this as: the necessity to address a physical medical condition of a cat, including, but not limited to an existing or recurring illness, infection, disease, injury, or abnormal condition in the claw of a cat that compromises the cats health.
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Ending Cat Declawing In The New Year: What You Need To Know
Were starting the new year with some news about one of our biggest priorities in humane legislation for cats. Policies against cat declawing continue to arise in the United States and Canada, a movement that recognizes the procedure for what it is: a cruel amputation that can cause lifelong harm.
In 2021, we can build on these new developments and finally leave declawing in the dark past where it belongs. Here is what you need to know.
Michigan House Bill Would Ban Cat Declawing
MLive fileJoel Bissell | MLive.com
House Bill 5508, sponsored by Rep. Nate Shannon, D-Sterling Heights, would ban any elective surgical procedure that prevents normal claw functioning in cats, including an onychectomy, a partial or complete phalangectomy or a tendonectomy.
The ban would not apply if the procedure was medically necessary. Anyone violating the ban would be subject to up to $1,000 in fines under the legislation.
Last July, New York became the first state in the U.S. to banned declawing, and several countries have also banned the practice, according to Shannons office.
Owning a pet is a big decision but abusing an animal and causing them long-term persistent pain to make caring for them easier for the pet owner is unacceptable, Shannon said in a statement. I want to encourage responsible and ethical pet ownership with this bill.
The American Veterinary Medical Association defines declawing as a surgical amputation and discourages its use in favor of non-surgical alternatives. Scratching posts or pads, regularly trimming claws, nail caps and other environmental enrichments can help reduce undesirable scratching behaviors without declawing, the American Association of Feline Practitioners states.
Shannons bill was referred to the House Agriculture Committee for review.
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Is Declawing Cats Illegal In Michigan
Is Declawing Cats Illegal In Michigan? 5508 was introduced on Thursday by State Rep. Nate Shannon, D-Sterling Heights, and 20 other Michigan legislators. The bill prohibits the act of declawing a cat unless its for therapeutic reasons. The Michigan Humane Society strongly opposes the declawing of cats unless its for a medical reason.
In some countries, towns, and cities, the practice of declawing cats is illegal. Many cat owners still want to declaw cats to prevent the destruction of furniture and home decor. Supporters of declawing often think the surgery is routine and that cats are unchanged by the procedure. The American Veterinary Medical Association does not oppose declawing in cats. The Denver City Council unanimously passed an ordinance in 2017 that prohibits the practice of declawing cats unless it is deemed medically necessary by a veterinarian. This has yet to occur as of March 2018.New York: Declawing of cats is officially banned. Rhode Island: In 2013, Rhode Island adopted H 5426/S 177, making it illegal for landlords to require tenants cats to be declawed.
In what states is it illegal to declaw cats? New York is the only U.S. state to ban the practice of declawing. However, there are cities and towns throughout the country that have passed legislation banning declaw surgery.
Proposed Bill Could Ban Declawing Cats In Michigan
Legislation introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives could make the state the second to ban the practice of declawing cats.
The first state to pass such legislation was New York.
House Bill 5508 prohibits an individual from performing an onychectomy, a partial or complete phalangectomy, or a tendonectomy procedure, or any other surgical procedure that prevents normal functioning of the clawsunless the procedure is needed for a therapeutic purpose.
The practice of is not so simple as just removing the claw. The procedure involves amputating the last bone of each cats toe. Instead of clipping your fingernails, it would be like cutting off your first knuckle on each finger.
Nate Shannon is the representative sponsoring the bill. He says he thinks if the bill passes, there will be a lot more happy cats in Michigan.
This isnt just a surgery, and then once they heal everything is fine. Obviously, its a brutal practice, theres severe post surgery pain that lasts for years to follow,” he says. “In some cats there are behavioral changes such as aggression, some refuse to use the litter box, and back pain because it literally changes the way a cat walks.
The bill has received bipartisan support in the house so far. It has been referred to the House Agriculture Committee for consideration.
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Bill Would Outlaw Declawing Cats In Michigan
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. Declawing cats could be a crime in Michigan under a bill before the Michigan Legislature, an idea that is dividing lawmakers and veterinarians.
House Bill 5508, introduced Thursday, would make declawing a civil infraction punishable by a $1,000 fine. Michigan would join New York as the only two states with a declaw law.
The bill has 21 co-sponsors: 19 Democrats and two Republicans, including Wyoming representative and famed restaurateur Tommy Brann. He said he has three cats himself, one of which he gives insulin shots three time a day.
I always protect my cats. I dont want them to go outside, but if I declawed them and they go outside, Im worried about their survival, said Brann, who works at his S. Division Avenue restaurant when he is not in Lansing.
Brann is something of an animal champion in the state House. In 2018, he introduced bills increasing penalties for animal cruelty that were ultimately signed into law.
Its just really a traumatic experience for them, Brann said of declawing. I dont think you really want treat your companion that way by putting them through this painful surgery.
Kent County Animal Shelter Director Namiko Ota-Noveskey agrees with the proposal.
Theres research now that suggests there is some correlation for declawing and chronic pain and some behavior issues, Noveskey said. I havent heard or seen any research that would benefit a cat, rather to benefit a person.
Why Is Declawing Controversial
Cat declawing is mainly carried out to prevent the little pets destructive scratching. But scratching is a healthy and normal activity for them.
Those opposed to declawing believe that the process leads to unnecessary pain. They also acknowledge that the procedure can cause irreversible trauma that result in behavioral issues. According to this group, declawing is a form of animal cruelty.
On the other hand, declawing supporters believe that the process is routine and doesnt affect kitties. They also argue that allowing declawing is better than abandoning destructive cats.
Some veterinary practitioners are against illegalizing declawing as they believe it affects the specialist-customer-pet relationship that forms the basis of their practice. According to them, the decision serves the pets best interest.
Well, in reality, declawing is a major procedure, and there are numerous reasons to avoid subjecting your pet to it. So, ensure you have a comprehensive debate with your vet concerning the risks and alternative treatment options like well-placed scratching furniture or posts or trimming your pets nails regularly.
But the freedom to choose cat declawing isnt available in all nations as the procedure is totally banned in some states.
10 Cat Scratchers that Dull Claws
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House Bill 5508 Which Is Sponsored By Rep
Should you declaw your cat? Cats love to sleep and hide in safe places This animal rescue declaws 100’s of kitties each year before they put them up for adoption. Jennifer larue started this petition to michigan state house and declawing cats: If the bill passes, they will join new york state who made this procedure illegal last year. Cats love to sleep and hide in safe places For years the standard solution was to declaw cats. Search for more kittens & cats and find pet care information and buying tips. Many veterinarians consider the procedure to be unethical and unnecessary and encourage cat owners to opt for safer alternatives to prevent cats from. House bill 5508 which is sponsored by rep. As the detroit free press reports, house bill no. They need scratching posts, climbing towers, feeding, grooming and oth.
declawing cats could be a crime in michigan under a bill before the michigan legislature, an idea that is dividing lawmakers and veterinarians. Search for more kittens & cats and find pet care information and buying tips. Because cats need their claws. Far worse than a manicure people often mistakenly believe that declawing their cats is a harmless quick fix for unwanted scratching. Whether or not to declaw a cat is an important decision a cat o.
States Where Declawing Is Illegal
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For a long time, cat declawing has been considered a practical way of deterring destructive scratching by our furry friends. However, times have changed, and the movement to make cat declawing illegal has grown exponentially over the past few years.
This trend has resulted in increased anti-declawing legislation across different levels of government.
Cat declaw surgery is also known asonychectomy. In this surgical procedure, a qualified specialist amputates the bones where cat claws grow from. Although its referred to as declaw, this procedure goes beyond simply removing nails. The digits last bone has to be amputated to prevent the claws from growing back.
The pet may spend about two days in the facility with bandaged toes. Once they feel that the cat is beginning to recover sufficiently, theyll remove the bandages then allow you to leave with your feline.
Though its a safe process, the procedure has attracted a lot of controversies.
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Get Michigan To Ban Declawing
The term is misleading making one think an animal doctor is magically making a cats nails disappear, leaving all furniture worries behind. But not only is this elective surgery actually a painful amputation of the last bone in each toe , but also has lasting negative effectsas weve seen with the thousands of cats who come through our door each year.
Unfortunately, many families arent made fully aware of the risks associated with declawing, but were hoping to help change that! Please read on to see the research and many humane and effective alternatives to declawing.
The Risks of Declawing
Chronic pain. Botched surgeries. Bone fragments left behind. Arthritis. We see cats who are inclined to bite and those that dont want to use the litterbox. Weve had to do reparative surgeries, and some cats have to be on lifelong pain medication. Also, sadly, many declawed cats are euthanized in shelters because they are deemed aggressive or because of intractable litter box problems. But these behaviors are often secondary responses to pain and stress of not being able to express the natural behavior to scratch.
Why do cats scratch?
Alternatives to declawing
A variety of alternatives exist to manage natural scratching behavior. Here are some easy and effective strategies:
Get Michigan to be the 2nd state to Ban Declawing