By Bob Katzen

The House and Senate approved and sent to Gov. Healey a proposal that would ban cat declawing and tendonectomy unless it is done for the medical need of the feline.

“Declawing is an abhorrent practice that most veterinarians view as inhumane,” said sponsor Sen. Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford). “This is another step in my commitment to protect animals in the commonwealth. 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.”

Montigny continued, “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.”

Supporters said that declawing a cat involves amputating the last bone of each toe, which if performed on a human would be equivalent to cutting off each finger at the last knuckle. They noted that according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the physical side effects from declawing include both acute and chronic pain, improperly healed wounds, sudden loss of blood, impaired immune response and behavioral side effects include biting.

“Declawing of cats does not improve the human-animal bond and often results in serious medical and behavioral problems,” said Allison Blanck, Director of Advocacy at the Animal Rescue League of Boston. “Banning this cruel practice, which is in essence amputation, will prevent animals in Massachusetts from needless pain and suffering.”