This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.

Valid Washington address required for submission.

Washington could be the next state to pass legislation banning the cruel practice of declawing cats.

The bill (HB 1904) is making its way through the legislature and would make it illegal to declaw cats, unless it's done to address an underlying condition that would benefit a cat's health. Urge lawmakers to pass this bill!

It may not be well understood by some still requesting this procedure that it's not a simple surgery that removes a cat's nails. The procedure, known as an onychectomy, involves surgically removing the last bone in a cat's toe to which the nail is attached. For a digitigrade, or an animal who literally walks on their toes, this poses serious welfare concerns.

It's largely done for human convenience to stop them from scratching, which is a natural and necessary behavior for them, or in some cases justified by saying it's necessary to protect medically vulnerable guardians, but it causes more problems than it solves.

Cats who are subjected to this procedure may show increased aggressive behavior and become more likely to bite as a defense. They may also start avoiding the litter box because using it is painful, which is something that's likely to get them relinquished to shelters.

Medically, many declawed cats suffer from botched surgeries that can leave bone fragments behind or nails that start to regrow under the skin, or other complications that can be debilitating, including infections, arthritis, nerve damage, and back pain, which is believed to be caused their need to shift their weight and shortening of joints, which changes the way they carry themselves.

However, as awareness is raised about this issue, many states, including New York, Maryland, Massachusetts, and California, have acted to protect cats by banning declawing, along with most of Canada and Western Europe. It's time for Washington to follow their compassionate lead.

Letter to Decision Maker(s) for reference:

Subject: Pass HB 1904 to Ban Declawing Cats

As someone concerned with the welfare of animal companions, I’m writing to urge you to pass HB 1904, which would ban declawing cats in Washington state. 
 
It may not be well understood by some still requesting this procedure that it’s not a simple surgery that simply removes a cat’s nails. The procedure, known as an onychectomy, involves surgically removing the last bone in a cat’s toe to which the nail is attached. For a digitigrade, or an animal who literally walks on their toes, this poses serious welfare concerns.
 
Declawing is largely done for human convenience to stop cats from scratching, which is a natural and necessary behavior for them, or in some cases, justified by saying it’s needed to protect medically vulnerable guardians, but it causes more problems and safety issues than it solves.
 
Cats who are subjected to this procedure may show increased aggressive behavior and become more likely to bite as a defense. They may also start avoiding the litter box because using it is painful, which is something that’s likely to get them relinquished to shelters.
 
Medically, many declawed cats suffer from botched surgeries that can leave bone fragments behind or nails that start to regrow under the skin, or other complications that can be debilitating, including infections, arthritis, nerve damage, and back pain, which is believed to be caused their need to shift their weight and shortening of joints, which changes the way they carry themselves.
 
Chronic pain in cats can lead to major concerns about their quality of life.
 
While there are many veterinarians who refuse to perform this cruel and unethical procedure, which is also opposed by the American Association of Feline Practitioners and the National Animal Care and Control Association, more needs to be done to protect cats from becoming victims.
 
As awareness is raised about this issue, five states have already acted to protect cats by banning declawing, along with most of Canada and Western Europe. It’s time for Washington to follow their compassionate lead.
 
I hope you will pass this important piece of legislation to make yours the next state to ban declawing. Thank you for your consideration of this important issue.

Sincerely,

Signed

This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.