Proposed Denver cat-declawing ban is closer to becoming law

Denver’s proposed ban of elective cat declawing drew formal opposition Wednesday from leaders of the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association, who said the measure “oversimplifies complex decision-making” by medical professionals and cat owners.

But after hearing a swell of support for the ban from cat owners, rescue organizations and some veterinary professionals who refuse to perform declawings, a Denver City Council committee unanimously advanced the proposal. The move was greeted with applause.

Councilwoman Kendra Black’s proposed ban would be the first in any U.S. city outside California. Declawing procedures have been outlawed in eight cities there since 2003, including Los Angeles and San Francisco, as well as in a number of countries around the world.

Denver’s proposal would provide an exemption when a declawing procedure is deemed to be medically necessary and only if it’s performed by a licensed veterinarian, with anesthesia used.

Supporters of the proposal argue that declawing is inhumane, causing great pain to the cat in a procedure they say includes the partial amputation of toes. But some veterinary groups say declawing is effective as a last resort for cats that incessantly scratch up furniture and home interiors.

“This is the right thing to do,” said councilman Jolon Clark said about the ban, while holding his family’s cat in his lap in the council hearing room.