Proposed Ordinance Would Ban Cat Declawing in Los Angeles

Photo by Malingering via Flickr

On the heels of West Hollywood and Santa Monica, Los Angeles councilmembers will consider banning the practice of declawing. "Declawing is not a simple cosmetic procedure akin to a manicure or a pedicure," says the motion, authored by Councilmember Paul Koretz and Bill Rosendahl.

Continued: "On the contrary, to remove a claw, the bone, nerve, joint capsule, collateral ligaments, and the extensor and flexor tendons must all be amputated. Thus, declawing is not a 'simple' single surgery, but ten separate, painful amputations of the third phalanx up to the last joint of each toe. In human terms, this is akin to cutting off the last joint of each finger... Mere convenience of the onychectomy (declawing) to the pet's guardian does not justify the unnecessary pain, anguish and permanent disability caused the animal."

The Public Safety Committee unanimously approved the motion, sending it to the City Attorney's so a draft ordinance could be made. A state law that goes into effect on January 1st will make ban bans on cat declawing, but will grandfather in cities that already have a law on the books. Malibu and Beverly Hills are also considering laws.