Cats are our cherished companions and are often treated as members of the family, but the practice of declawing can cause them real harm.
Unlike simply cutting a human’s nails, declawing a cat removes the entire lower third phalanx bone of their paws, resulting in pain, discomfort and lasting behavioural changes.
And while a pet owner may be trying to protect furniture from scratching, the consequences of declawing often results in more disruptive behaviours like biting and marking.
Veterinarians and advocates have been drawing attention to this issue for years, and with better alternatives available, it’s long past time Ontario moved to ban this harmful and unnecessary practice.
That's why I've introduced Teddy's Law, to update Ontario's animal welfare laws to ban the practice of declawing cats, unless deemed necessary by a veterinarian.
What they're saying:
Dr. Gitte Fenger, Veterinarian, co-founder of The Paw Project and owner of the bill's namesake, Teddy:
“For many years, The Paw Project has been working with the public, policy makers and veterinarians to educate about the painful and crippling effects of feline declawing, to promote animal welfare and to end declaw surgery in jurisdictions around the world.” said Fenger “This legislation will bring Ontario in line with other provinces as leaders in animal welfare. It’s about time we got this done. Teddy would be proud.”
Dr. Kelly St. Denis, DABVP (feline practice):
“This legislation is long past due. While many veterinarians have made the ethical choice to stop declawing, we need legislation to put an end to this practice in Ontario once and for all. This is a critical step in advancing the welfare of our domestic cats.”
Dr. Michelle Groleau, Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, Animal Welfare Committee:
"The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association views non-therapeutic PDA (declaws) as ethically unacceptable, as the surgery has the potential to cause unnecessary and avoidable pain."
Dr Karol A. Mathews, DVM, DVSc (Surgery), DACVECC, University of Guelph Professor Emerita:
“As a veterinarian, I have witnessed the lifelong pain and suffering that this non-therapeutic procedure can result in. It’s time to end this cruel practice as non-pain inflicted methods exist to allow for normal cat behaviour.”
Help us put an end to unnecessary declawing, add your name below and help spread the word:
Or download, print and sign the paper petition (letter size) (legal size)