No more cat declawing in N.L.

It’s a good day to be a cat in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The province’s college of veterinarians has passed a resolution that prohibits licensed vets from performing declawing surgeries on cats.

The new law takes effect Jan. 1, 2019, thereby allowing member veterinarians who offer the service a chance to educate their clients about the change.

The change is supported by the province’s veterinary medical association.

Earlier this year, Nova Scotia became the first Canadian province to ban medically unnecessary cat declawing.

Last year, the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association strengthened its position, saying scratching is normal behaviour that cats use to mark territory, and claws help with balance, climbing and selfdefence.

Declawing has been common practice across Canada for some time, but more and more veterinarians are refusing to perform the procedure, believing it causes unnecessary and avoidable pain to the animals. Moreover, some studies indicate it can result in behavioural issues later in a cat’s life.