In a significant victory for the welfare of animals, Massachusetts has enacted legislation prohibiting the declawing of cats, except in rare situations of medical necessity, such as cancer in a cat’s nail bed or other conditions that can jeopardize a cat’s health.
Declawing, or onychectomy, involves the removal of the last bone of each toe on a cat’s paw, a procedure comparable to amputating human fingertips at the first knuckle. This surgery can lead to chronic pain, nerve damage, and behavioral issues in cats.
The movement against declawing is thankfully gaining momentum. A 2024 poll by the Animal Legal Defense Legislative Fund revealed that nearly 70% of veterinary professionals oppose the practice. Additionally, many veterinarians have ceased performing the procedure due to ethical concerns.
“This law will protect countless cats in the Commonwealth from a painful and unnecessary surgical procedure that is typically performed for human convenience rather than the cat’s well-being,” said Animal Legal Defense Fund Senior Legislative Affairs Manager Stephanie Harris. “Massachusetts joins other states that have effective declaw bans, alongside the many local laws that have been passed in cities of all sizes. We hope to build on this momentum in 2025 as we continue to advocate for cat declaw bills nationwide, including in neighboring Rhode Island.”
Massachusetts joins New York and Maryland, as well as cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Pittsburgh, Madison, West Hollywood, Austin, Denver, Beverly Hills, Berkeley, and Washington, D.C., in banning declawing. This growing list reflects a shift in societal values towards more humane treatment of animals.
The recent enactment of this important law marks a promising advancement for the welfare of animals. It highlights the critical need for a nationwide ban on declawing to safeguard all cats from unnecessary and detrimental procedures. As both public awareness and professional opposition to declawing gain momentum, it is important for other states to join this initiative and prioritize the welfare of our feline companions.
