Cat Declawing Outlawed In Rhode Island

Rhode Island has outlawed the declawing of cats.

The law was passed Thursday and goes into effect Sept. 1, according to a media release from the Rhode Island General Assembly.

The legislation "will make it illegal for any person to perform surgical claw removal, declawing or a tendonectomy on any cat or otherwise alter a cat’s toes, claws or paws to prevent or impair normal function," the release said.

Massachusetts, New York, Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C., have already banned cat declawing.

According to the animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, declawing is "both painful and traumatic."

"Declawing is a violent, invasive, painful, and unnecessary mutilation that involves 10 separate amputation — not just of cats’ nails but of their joints as well," PETA said. "Its long-term effects include skin and bladder problems and the gradual weakening of cats’ legs, shoulders, and back muscles."

Rhode Island previously prohibited landlords from requiring tenants’ cats to be declawed.

The legislation was sponsored by Sen. Melissa A. Murray, D-Woonsocket, North Smithfield, and Rep. William W. O’Brien, D-North Providence.

"Declawing is painful, unnecessary and inhumane," Murray said in the release. "It’s no way to treat any pet."

“Mutilating a defenseless cat for any reason other than medical necessity is simply wrong and has no place in civilized society," O'Brien said in the release. "This barbaric practice has been outlawed in many other states and countries, and it’s time for Rhode Island to do the right thing and protect our feline friends.”