Rhode Island Residents: Help us End Cat Declawing

Rhode Island Residents: Help us End Cat Declawing

This action is ONLY for Rhode Island residents

Rhode Island could become the next state to ban cat declawing. The Rhode Island General Assembly is considering a proposal that would prohibit the declawing of cats throughout the state. The proposal passed the Senate and is now in the House of Representatives. Please ask your state representative to support this House version of this bill, HB 6508, and Keep Cats’ Claws on Their Paws!

Declawing is no nail trim—it is far more severe. It is a surgical amputation of the last joints of a cat’s toes that is virtually always nontherapeutic, meaning it has no medical benefit to the cat. Without their claws, cats can’t perform many of their instinctive behaviors, can feel unsafe without their natural protection, and can experience difficulty with balance and walking. The pain and discomfort caused by declaw surgery can lead to permanent physical and mental harm.

Ask your state representative to support HB 6508 to protect cats from declawing in Rhode Island.

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Dear {contact_data~positionHeld} {contact_data~firstName} {contact_data~lastName}:

As a resident of Rhode Island, I am writing to urge you to protect the health and wellbeing of cats throughout our state by voting in favor of HB 6508. If enacted into law, HB 6508 would prohibit cat declawing, a painful procedure that involves the surgical amputation of the last joints of a cat's toes. Cats rely on their paws, including their claws, for their everyday behavioral and grooming needs. Their claws are their first line of defense, and scratching removes dead nail sheaths and stretches and strengthens their muscles. Declawing cats to address unwanted scratching behavior hinders these natural behaviors and can cause trauma and lifelong damage.

Declawing is virtually always nontherapeutic, with no medical benefit to the cat. Side effects from declawing can include hemorrhaging, paw pad lacerations, swelling, radial nerve damage, lameness, infections, and chronic pain. Cats who suffer from these side effects may develop behavioral issues such as aggression, biting, and urinating outside the litter box. These behaviors, not scratching, are the most common reasons cited for relinquishing cats to shelters.

Humane alternatives to declaw surgery are widely available, including scratching posts, spray deterrents, and nail caps. There is no need for surgery carried out for entirely nontherapeutic reasons that can cause permanent physical and mental harm to cats.

These facts are why many communities and veterinary practices worldwide agree that declawing is cruel and have implemented laws and policies to ban the procedure. New York, Maryland, 16 major U.S. cities, nearly all Canadian provinces, and at least 42 countries have passed official legislation to prohibit declawing cats and other animals. Several veterinary associations and hospital groups like Banfield, VCA, and BluePearl have also taken action against declawing, setting a wide-reaching example.

I want Rhode Island to exhibit the same moral fiber and acknowledgement of scientific evidence by stepping up as the next leader in the humane treatment of cats and all animals. I ask you to support HB 6508 to prohibit declaw surgery and keep cats' claws on their paws.

Kind regards,
{user_data~First Name} {user_data~Last Name}