By Bob Katzen

The Senate 39-0, approved and sent to the House a bill that would prohibit surgeries that declaw cats, tendonectomies and similar procedures except in cases of medical necessity in which a veterinarian determines that the surgery would address a condition that jeopardizes the cat’s health. Declawing a cat means amputating the first bone on each toe and tendonectomies involve cutting a tendon in each toe that controls the extension of claws.

The penalty for violating this ban is $1,000 for the first offense, $1,500 for a second offense and $2,500 for a third or subsequent offense. In addition, veterinarians who perform a declawing without it being medically necessary may be subject to disciplinary action by their licensure board.

Many cat owners often declaw their pets to prevent scratches or damage to household items like rugs or furniture. However, veterinarians and the Humane Society of the U.S. have said that cats who have had their claws removed are more likely to experience paw pain, back pain, infection and the inability to use their legs properly.

“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,” said sponsor Sen. Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford). “By passing this legislation, veterinarians will no longer have to weigh the choice knowing that if they don’t provide the procedure the owner is likely to just look for someone who will.”

“This is another step in my commitment to protect animals in the commonwealth,” continued Montigny. “As a state we have done far too little to punish heartless abusers and to push back against a weak court system that has too often failed to hold them accountable. There are too many people who have committed horrendous abuses to animals that have been unpunished and are walking free to continue to do harm.”

“We thank the Senate for advancing this bill and again demonstrating their commitment to animal protection,” said Kara Holmquist, Director of Advocacy for the MSPCA-Angell. “Our animal hospital, Angell Animal Medical Center, has not performed declawing surgery for decades because it is not in the interest of the animal, often involves painful complications and can create lifelong behavior problems. We are grateful that this unnecessary amputation will be prohibited in the state.”