Animal rights activists have won a battle when it comes to outlawing cruel practices on animals. The city of Los Angeles recently banned the declawing of cats, where Ordinance No. 180986 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code went into effect on November 20.
The new law states that no person shall perform an onychectomy (declawing) or flexor tendonectomy procedure on any animal within the City. Violating this law will result in a misdemeanor, that can lead to a punishment of 6 months in jail and a $500 fine, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Other California cities passed similar declawing bans earlier this year in response to the growing concerns and controversies over the cruel practice. San Francisco, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Berkeley, and Culver City are cities that have also approved declaw bans. The city of Burbank most recently passed a declaw ban on December 8, which also created a misdemeanor offense for declawing in the city.
Why are so many cities now considering declaw bans? Many people see the amputation of animal toes as inhumane, and research shows that the procedure can have everlasting effects on the health of animal. California cities are facing pressure to pass such laws immediately, before it's too late. The state government passed bill SB 762 in July 2009, which disallows local jurisdictions from banning the declaw procedure starting January 1, 2010. Basically, if cities want to create a law that bans declawing, they have to do so by the end of this year.
If you feel that it's necessary to declaw a cat or other animal, and the city decides to press charges and prosecute you for your actions, then you should get a skilled criminal attorney in Los Angeles for the best defense. Many organizations, such as the California Veterinary Medical Association, are opposed to declaw bans. Such organizations may be able to provide free legal help.
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Culver City, Burbank to Vote on Animal Declawing Bans (Los Angeles Times)
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Why Are So Many Cities Considering Declaw Bans? (The Paw Project)
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Types of Crimes: Misdemeanors (FindLaw)
