Buffalo, NY (WBEN/AP) An effort to ban the declawing of cats in New York is moving through the state Assembly.
The chamber's agriculture committee advanced the measure Tuesday. If eventually passed, New York would be the first U.S. state to ban declawing. The act is already banned in Denver as well as 10 California cities.
Gina Lattuca of the SPCA Serving Erie County says it will not take a stand either way on the proposed ban. "It might sound surprising, but the reality is there are pros and cons on both sides," explains Lattuca. "Declawing is something we don't do here. It's not something we promote or encourage. In fact, it's something we strongly discourage."
Lattuca says those in favor of decliing have concerns. "There are people worried about family members being scratched, especially babies. There are people concerned about furniture or walls being damaged. They feel if there's a cat that's destructive or hurtful with claws that there's no alternative," notes Lattuca.
Lattuca however, says there are plenty of alternatives. "People get scratching posts and surfaces for the animal. There are people who are diligent about keeping claws trimmed. There are others who will put covers over paws so damage won't happen," says Lattuca.